Goa crosses 1 lakh chest X-rays reviewed using AI in public health system, identifies 18 lung cancer cases

New Delhi: The Government of Goa has shared early outcomes from its AI-enabled lung cancer screening programme implemented across the state’s public healthcare system.

The initiative integrates artificial intelligence-based chest X-ray analysis into routine clinical workflows at government health facilities, enabling earlier detection of lung abnormalities without requiring additional tests or patient visits.

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality in India, primarily due to late-stage diagnosis. Goa’s programme addresses this challenge by automatically reviewing every chest X-ray conducted in public health facilities for early signs of lung abnormalities, even when the scan is performed for unrelated clinical indications. This approach allows clinicians to identify potential lung cancer cases earlier and initiate timely follow-up.

Speaking on the programme, Vishwajit Rane, Health Minister of Goa, said, “The Department of Health has been consistently advancing initiatives focused on early detection, preventive healthcare, and cancer screening to strengthen the public healthcare system. By embedding AI into routine diagnostic processes, Goa is reinforcing early detection in a structured and scalable manner. This programme ensures that advanced technology supports clinical decision-making without adding cost or complexity for patients. Early diagnosis must be accessible to all, and should not be limited by geography or affordability. Integrating AI into public healthcare represents the way forward in delivering timely, efficient, and equitable care to our people.”

The programme has been implemented in close coordination with clinicians across Goa’s public health system. Pulmonologists and radiologists from government hospitals have guided the clinical adoption of AI-enabled triaging, ensuring alignment with existing diagnostic pathways and follow-up protocols.

Since deployment, the initiative has analyzed 1,06,248 chest X-rays across 18 public healthcare sites in the state. The AI system flagged 10,564 lung nodules, including 1,619 classified as high-risk, enabling clinicians to prioritize patients requiring urgent evaluation. To date, this has led to 18 confirmed lung cancer diagnoses and reduced the average time to diagnosis by more than 50%.

Ankit Modi, Founding Member and Chief Product Officer, Qure.ai, said, “What makes Goa’s programme significant is its ability to deliver impact at scale using infrastructure that already exists within the public healthcare system. By leveraging routine chest X-rays, the state has enabled earlier identification of lung abnormalities without introducing additional tests or burden on patients. The outcomes reinforce that clinically guided, system-integrated AI can accelerate diagnosis and support more timely care across public health systems.”

Praveen Rao Akkinepally, Country President and Managing Director, AstraZeneca India, said, “This is a significant milestone for the state of Goa. We are honoured to partner with the Department of Health Services, Goa, and Qure.ai, and congratulate the team on surpassing 100,000 AI-enabled lung screening scans. It underscores our shared purpose of earlier detection and equitable access to healthcare. With AstraZeneca’s science, Goa’s public health leadership, and Qure.ai’s capability, we are bringing technology closer to patients, lowering barriers to care, and building scalable, data-driven pathways across India, so people are identified sooner and connected to the right care at the right time.”.

The Government of Goa plans to further expand the programme by integrating AI-enabled screening into mobile health units and community outreach services, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening early diagnosis and improving cancer care outcomes across the state.