Panaji, Mar 21 – The Directorate of Health Services (DHS) have extended their MoU with AstraZeneca for lung cancer screening, which will now be done by default during X-rays. DHS has been working with AstraZeneca and Qure.ai since June 2024 for Early Lung Cancer Detection Program. The program uses Qure.ai’s artificial intelligence (AI) technology to screen chest X-rays for signs of lung cancer. Nearly 46,532 people have been screened for lung cancer in Goa under the program thus far. Health Minister Vishwajit Rane stated that the department has moved a proposal for confidential pricing to ensure affordable access to life-saving cancer drugs.Confidential pricing allows the government to negotiate lower drug prices with pharmaceutical companies without publicly disclosing the agreed-upon rates.
