Hyderabad: In a significant stride towards integrating cutting-edge technology into public healthcare, the health department has proposed the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for cancer screening.

This forward-looking initiative aims to enhance early detection through high-resolution imaging and precision diagnostics, potentially identifying health abnormalities with unprecedented accuracy.

According to sources, once an AI-based scan detects irregularities, the findings will be immediately forwarded to specialist doctors or oncologists for detailed evaluation. The rollout will begin with a pilot project in three districts, serving as the foundation for statewide adoption.

Following the pilot's assessment, the govt plans to equip all medical colleges with this advanced technology. Software development for the project is already underway at the MNJ Cancer Institute.

Additionally, the govt is considering the creation of dedicated day care centres for cancer screening in each district, contingent on the pilot's success.

The focus will be on oral, breast, and cervical cancers, which account for a significant portion of the cancer burden in India. To ensure effective implementation, medical staff will undergo specialised training in AI-driven diagnostics and procedures.

Patients flagged with abnormal results will be referred to MNJ Cancer Hospital and NIMS for further investigation and treatment. To extend care accessibility, chemotherapy services will be made available in Siddipet, Sircilla, and Adilabad, bringing life-saving treatment closer to underserved areas.

The project may also receive a dedicated budget from the Centre, reflecting national interest in leveraging AI for healthcare transformation.

Though Telangana currently faces a shortage of radiologists, officials believe that deploying AI-assisted tools will bridge this gap, enabling quicker and more accurate diagnosis, and ultimately transforming cancer care across the state.