Punjab News: In a major push for preventive healthcare, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh inaugurated an AI-enabled cancer and refractive error screening system at Municipal Bhawan. The initiative aims to strengthen early detection and treatment of diseases, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Punjab launches AI-enabled cancer, eye screening system for rural healthcare
Highlighting the importance of the initiative, Dr. Singh said, “In women, cervical and breast cancer are very common. Unfortunately, these are often detected only at a later stage. With AI tools and thermal screening made available by our partner NGO, patients can now be identified in the early stages. If detected, the patient will be treated and cured.”
The minister further noted that these AI-driven technologies will be deployed in over 3,100 Community Health Officers (CHOs) across rural Punjab, ensuring that timely screenings are not limited to urban hospitals. This marks a significant step towards bridging the rural-urban healthcare gap.
Health Department emphasized that early detection not only saves lives but also reduces the financial
Along with cancer screening, the program will also cover refractive error detection, a leading cause of avoidable visual impairment. By integrating AI into rural healthcare, Punjab aims to make diagnosis faster, more accurate, and accessible to the most vulnerable sections of society.
The Health Department emphasized that early detection not only saves lives but also reduces the financial burden on families and the healthcare system. The launch aligns with the state government’s broader mission to modernize healthcare through technology and provide quality medical services at the grassroots level.
