Goa Partners with Qure.ai to Boost AI-Powered Lung Cancer Detection

Goa government is set to implement a policy that makes expensive, life-saving medical treatments more affordable, starting with lung cancer. 

The Pricing Policy for Innovative Lifesaving Therapies (PPILT) will allow the state to sign confidential, outcome-linked pricing agreements with pharmaceutical companies, helping patients access advanced therapies at reduced costs.

The policy was announced at the CME event organised on the topic ‘AI’s use in diagnosing Lung Cancer Early in Goa’.

Vishwajit Rane, the health minister of Goa, stated that innovative therapies for diseases such as cancer, rare genetic disorders, and autoimmune conditions can cost more than INR 50 lakhs annually, making them difficult for patients, particularly those from underserved communities. 

“Goa’s adoption of this pricing policy is vital and a timely step to advance health equity in the state.  A value-based approach to pricing will improve access for patients and marks a new era focusing on helping more and more patients”, said Vishwajit Rane, Health Minister of Goa.

Since 2024, Goa’s public healthcare system has been using Qure.ai’s qXR AI technology across 18 government hospitals and health centres. The system has screened more than 70,000 chest X-rays, detected over 6,000 pulmonary nodules, and flagged more than 500 people at high risk for lung cancer, leading to confirmed diagnoses and timely treatment.

“The integration of AI into Goa’s public health network shows that digital transformation can start with AI as the foundation, rather than waiting for complete infrastructure,” Prashant Warier, CEO and founder of Qure.ai, said.

The programme, run in partnership with Qure.ai and AstraZeneca, aims to create an end-to-end lung cancer screening and treatment pathway. 

The policy, proposed by the Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI), is expected to encourage global and Indian drugmakers to bring new treatments to the state in a sustainable way, while strengthening Goa’s preparedness for future health challenges.