Goa Crosses 1 Lakh Chest X-Rays Reviewed Using AI in Public Health System, Identifies 18 Lung Cancer Cases

The AI-based chest X-ray analysis integrates into routine clinical workflows at government health facilities for early detection of lung abnormalities without requiring additional tests or patient visits.

The Government of Goa has marked a significant milestone in healthcare advancement. As per recent reports, the Goa government has shared early outcomes from its AI-enabled lung cancer screening programme implemented across the state’s public healthcare system.

As per reports, it has successfully crossed 2 Lakh Chest X-Rays using AI that screens lung cancer early. The move aligns with the Department of Health's goal to focus on early detection, preventive healthcare, and cancer screening to strengthen the public healthcare system.

The AI-based chest X-ray analysis integrates into routine clinical workflows at government health facilities for early detection of lung abnormalities without requiring additional tests or patient visits.

The programme has been implemented in close coordination with clinicians across Goa’s public health system.

Sharing thoughts, Vishwajit Rane, Health Minister of Goa, said, “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.”

Pulmonologists and radiologists from government hospitals guided the clinical adoption of AI-enabled triaging, ensuring alignment with existing diagnostic pathways and follow-up protocols.

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.”

Since deployment, the initiative has analyzed 1,06,248 chest X-rays across 18 public healthcare sites in the state.

According to the reports, the AI system flagged 10,564 lung nodules, including 1,619 classified as high-risk, enabling clinicians to prioritise 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.”

The Government of Goa plans to further expand the programme by integrating AI-enabled screening into mobile health units and community outreach services.

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