Hyderabad: The Telangana health department is planning to adopt artificial intelligence-based services for cancer screening across the state. Based on pilot project outcomes, a proposal has been sent to the government to scale it up.
The plan involves using high-resolution imaging through AI-based scanning systems to detect potential cancer symptoms. Once flagged, results will be referred to specialists and oncologists for clinical confirmation.
If cleared, the initiative will be rolled out in all government medical colleges. Software development for the project is currently underway at MNJ Cancer Hospital.
The state also aims to set up daycare centres in every district specifically for cancer screening. Special attention is being given to identifying oral, breast, and cervical cancers. The objective is to tackle diagnostic challenges seen nationwide, especially in early detection.
To support the rollout, medical staff across Telangana will be trained in AI diagnostics and protocols. Patients identified with symptoms will be referred to MNJ Cancer Hospital or NIMS for follow-up diagnosis and treatment.
Chemotherapy services will be made available in Siddipet, Sircilla, and Adilabad. The department says this will improve access for economically disadvantaged patients.
Given the national push for AI integration in public health, the Centre is expected to allocate special funding for this project. With a shortage of radiologists across the state, the government sees AI tools as a way to close the gap and improve diagnostic capacity.
