Goa, 21st March 2025: Under the leadership of Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) has extended its partnership with AstraZeneca and Qure.ai for another two years to advance the Early Lung Cancer Detection Program. The renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today, showcasing the Health Ministry’s continued commitment to leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for early diagnosis and improved healthcare outcomes.
Launched in June 2024, the AI-enabled program has made significant strides in early lung cancer detection. So far, over 33,800 chest X-rays have been screened across 17 DHS centers using Qure.ai’s cutting-edge AI technology. The screening identified 3,144 nodules, of which 143 were classified as high-risk, leading to one confirmed case of lung cancer through a thorough diagnostic process.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane emphasized the state’s dedication to utilizing advanced technology to save lives. “Our vision has always been to provide Goans with the best healthcare solutions. By expanding this AI-powered initiative, we are ensuring faster diagnoses and better referral systems. The Health Ministry will continue working tirelessly to reduce cancer-related deaths through early detection and prevention,” he stated.
As part of this effort, the Health Ministry has also launched Mega Medical Camps and a Cancer Detection Abhiyan across the state, offering citizens easy access to screening and diagnostic services. Additionally, the program has introduced Nurse Navigators to provide personalized guidance and ensure consistent follow-up for high-risk patients.
The renewed partnership will further strengthen the health infrastructure in Goa, with plans to enhance screening coverage, improve patient tracking, and provide specialized training for healthcare professionals. Under Rane’s leadership, Goa has emerged as a pioneer in adopting AI in healthcare, setting a benchmark for other states to emulate.
