Goa expands AI lung cancer screening, pioneers value-based pricing policy

Goa has scaled up AI-led diagnostics by implementing Qure.ai’s qXR solution in 18 government hospitals since 2024, screening over 70,000 chest X-rays, detecting more than 6,000 pulmonary nodules, and identifying 500 high-risk patients for early treatment

In a pioneering move to make advanced medical treatments more accessible, the Government of Goa has announced the launch of the Pricing Policy for Innovative Lifesaving Therapies (PPILT). The initiative aims to ensure fair, outcome-based pricing for critical healthcare interventions, including medicines, diagnostics, and medical devices—particularly for rare and complex diseases.

Goa will become the first state in India to implement such a framework, which allows for confidential, outcome-linked pricing agreements between the government and pharmaceutical companies. The rollout will begin with lung cancer treatments, enabling the state to procure high-cost therapies at reduced rates, ultimately expanding access without exceeding public healthcare budgets.

Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, speaking at a Continuing Medical Education (CME) event on artificial intelligence (AI) in early lung cancer detection, highlighted the significance of the policy. “Innovative therapies for conditions like cancer and rare genetic disorders often exceed ₹50 lakh per year. Goa’s new pricing policy is a vital step toward health equity,” Rane said.

AI drives early cancer detection

The announcement comes as Goa scales up AI-led diagnostics in public healthcare. Since 2024, the state has implemented Qure.ai’s qXR AI solution across 18 government hospitals and health centres, screening over 70,000 chest X-rays. This has led to the detection of over 6,000 pulmonary nodules and flagged more than 500 high-risk individuals, enabling early intervention and treatment.

Qure.ai CEO Prashant Warier emphasized that AI has helped establish a scalable model for early detection and now, with the new pricing policy, patients can afford cutting-edge treatments. “This three-way partnership between the government, Qure.ai, and AstraZeneca sets a global example,” he said.