PANAJI
Goa health department achieved a major milestone in its use of artificial intelligence to detect lung cancer early, with more than one lakh chest X-rays now screened using Qure.ai’s diagnostic software, Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane said on Tuesday.
The AI system, introduced earlier in Goa, has flagged around 1,600 suspected cases, with 20 confirmed as lung cancer.
All the diagnosed patients have begun treatment.
Officials said the technology has cut diagnosis time by over 50 per cent, allowing faster medical intervention in a disease often detected late.
The facility is currently available in 17 centres, including Goa Medical College, primary health centres and community health centres.
The government plans to expand the programme statewide, with a target of two lakh screenings by December 2026, Rane said, adding that a notification is under consideration to mandate AI scanning of all chest X-rays in public health institutions.
Rane said the initiative, supported by AstraZeneca and Qure.ai, has helped identify thousands of critical lung nodules.
“We are trying to make Goa a hub for AI-based diagnosis by using similar technology for other diseases in the future,” he said.
Meanwhile, Goa is preparing to open a tertiary cancer hospital equipped with advanced Israeli technology. The facility, being set up in collaboration with Tata Memorial Hospital, is expected to be commissioned before the end of next year, Rane said.
He said, by combining AI diagnostics with new cancer care infrastructure, the State hopes to set a benchmark in early detection and treatment and become a model for the country.
