The broader goal is to reduce healthcare inequalities by using AI to broaden access to early cancer detection across India.

In April 2026, AstraZeneca Pharma India signed an MoU with the Government of Telangana to roll out AI-enabled lung cancer screening in public facilities, enhancing early detection in both urban and rural areas.

The initiative will aggregate data on cancer development and risk factors to support epidemiological insights and inform policy planning.

Data gathered will include factors such as pollution to help shape public health strategies.

AI will analyze chest X-rays and CT scans using machine learning, including CNNs and deep learning models, to identify tiny nodules and suspicious tissue.

The screening relies on advanced models like convolutional neural networks to detect nodules and other warning signs.

A central aim is to reduce healthcare inequality by delivering advanced screening to resource-constrained settings and across urban and rural areas.

Several institutions are launching AI-driven efforts, including SSO Cancer Hospital with AI diagnostics, Yashoda Hospital’s AI Lung Nodule Clinic with Qure.ai, and Kamala Nehru Hospital’s collaboration with IIT Kanpur to create an affordable screening device.

Independent AI initiatives are underway in multiple hospitals, expanding access to AI-powered diagnostics and screening tools for broader communities.

India’s state of Goa will pilot AI-enabled lung cancer screening, aiming to standardize AI-assisted screening with chest X-rays across all government hospitals through a public-private partnership with AstraZeneca and Qure.ai.