Tag: AstraZeneca

Health

Goa Makes Healthcare History with India’s First Pricing Policy for Innovative Lifesaving Therapies

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Goa has set a new benchmark in healthcare innovation with the launch of the Pricing Policy for Innovative Lifesaving Therapies (PPILT) — a first-of-its-kind initiative in India.

The policy was officially launched by Health Minister Shri. Vishwajit Rane in the presence of:

  • Shri. Arun Kumar Mishra, IAS, Secretary (Health)
  • Mr. Prashant Warier, CEO & Founder, Qure.ai
  • Dr. Jai Prakash Tiwari, Dean, GMC
  • Dr. Rupa Naik, Director, Directorate of Health Services
  • Dr. Ajaykumar Sharma, Director – Corporate & State Affairs, AstraZeneca
  • Kiran Kesavan, Lead – Policy and Government Affairs

The PPILT aims to ensure equitable, fair, and sustainable pricing for vital healthcare interventions — including medicines, diagnostics, and advanced medical devices — making them more accessible to patients without compromising innovation.

Minister Rane emphasized that the initiative would bridge the gap between affordability and advanced treatment, setting a national precedent in healthcare reform.

This pioneering policy reflects Goa’s commitment to patient-centric healthcare and positions the state as a leader in shaping transparent, sustainable medical pricing in India.

Health

Goa Strengthens Fight Against Lung Cancer with AI-Powered Detection Program

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In a groundbreaking move, the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) in Goa has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AstraZeneca and Qure.ai. to extend their collaboration under the Early Lung Cancer Detection Program. This pioneering initiative leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) in radiology to transform public health outcomes in Goa.

Launched in June 2024, the AI-enabled Early Lung Cancer Detection Program has already shown promising results. Over 33,800 chest X-rays have been screened across 17 DHS centers using Qure.ai.’s advanced AI technology, identifying 3,144 nodules, with 143 classified as high-risk. This systematic approach has led to the confirmation of one lung cancer case through a closed-loop pathway involving chest physician review, CT scan confirmation, and biopsy.

Empowering Healthcare with AI

Speaking at the event, Hon’ble Health Minister Shri Vishwajit Rane emphasized Goa’s commitment to innovative and preventive healthcare. “Our vision has always been to bring cutting-edge solutions to Goa’s public health system. With the successful deployment of AI-powered tools for early lung cancer detection, we are witnessing a real impact in terms of faster diagnosis and more effective referrals.”

Key Highlights of the Program

  • Nurse Navigators: The program has deployed Nurse Navigators to provide consistent support and guidance to high-risk patients, ensuring end-to-end follow-up from screening to diagnosis.
  • Strong Referral Mechanism: A robust referral mechanism has been established, integrating physicians, specialists, and diagnostic facilities for timely clinical intervention.
  • Expansion Plans: The renewed MoU is expected to further scale the initiative, with plans to expand screening, enhance patient tracking, and integrate new training modules for healthcare workers across DHS centers.

Goa Leads the Way in AI-Driven Healthcare

Goa continues to set a benchmark for other states in India by embracing AI in healthcare. This pioneering initiative is a testament to the state’s commitment to innovative and preventive healthcare, and its dedication to reducing cancer-related deaths through early detection and prevention.