Solapur Zilla Parishad in Maharashtra has initiated a groundbreaking project titled ‘Project Nidan’ to improve women’s health in rural areas. The project offers free breast cancer screening to women in Solapur district using innovative portable equipment integrated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) through a mobile ambulance.
The idea behind the project is to reach out to women in rural areas who may feel hesitant or shy to undergo breast cancer screenings. By taking the screening services directly to the women, ‘Project Nidan’ aims to increase early detection of breast cancer, especially in areas with limited access to healthcare facilities.
The dedicated ambulance equipped with advanced non-invasive technology provided by the startup Niramai can detect breast cancer tumors using AI and thermal imaging. Since its launch in March, the project has successfully screened approximately 5,000 women, covering over 1,000 kilometers in the district.
Early detection of breast cancer is crucial in ensuring prompt treatment and reducing the need for extensive procedures like chemotherapy, which can also lower medical costs significantly. The project allocates a budget of Rs 20,000 per woman for screenings, diagnosis, and treatment, with a total project budget of Rs 20 lakh.
The initiative also involves training Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers to perform primary inspections and refer any suspected cases to Primary Health Centers (PHCs) for further evaluation. This comprehensive approach aims to provide timely and accessible screening, diagnosis, and treatment for women in the region.
By collaborating with oncologists in the district and spreading awareness through PHCs, the project endeavors to enhance the early detection of breast cancer and emphasize the importance of follow-up care. With continued support and participation from healthcare professionals and the community, ‘Project Nidan’ strives to make a positive impact on women’s health in rural areas of Solapur.
