In a landmark move to boost preventive healthcare, the Punjab government has rolled out AI-enabled screening devices designed for the early detection of breast cancer, cervical cancer, and refractive errors.
The initiative, introduced in partnership with the non-profit venture ACT Grants, will deploy portable, radiation-free, AI-powered technologies across eight districts. Among the devices are Thermalytix by Niramai for breast cancer screening, Smart Scope by Periwinkle for cervical cancer detection, and a Portable Autorefractometer by Forus Health for vision impairment checks. The launch event on Tuesday also featured live demonstrations of these innovations.
Calling the program a transformative step toward accessible and equitable healthcare, Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh emphasized the importance of early detection. "Prevention and early detection are the cornerstones of effective healthcare. With these advanced devices, we are taking screening to the doorsteps of our communities, especially in rural areas, overcoming barriers of fear, cost, and accessibility. This initiative will not only save lives but also position Punjab as a leader in AI-driven public health innovation," he said.
Dr Singh cited findings from the ICMR National Cancer Registry Programme, which recorded 42,288 new cancer cases in Punjab in 2024, a 7% increase from the previous year. He also noted that, according to NFHS-5 data, only 0.3% of women aged 30–49 in Punjab have ever undergone breast cancer screening, and just 2.4% for cervical cancer. "We are determined to reverse these trends and set a national example," he added.
Highlighting the scalability of the initiative, Dr Singh explained that the AI-powered tools are tailored for primary healthcare settings, allowing rapid, non-invasive, and highly accurate screenings. The state aims to achieve at least 600 eye check-ups and 300 breast and cervical cancer screenings daily, thereby improving early detection rates and easing the load on tertiary hospitals.