1,683 women have been screened so far under the pilot project, with several high-risk cases identified and referred for further clinical evaluation.
Shillong, June 24: In a significant recognition of use of artificial intelligence to detect breast cancer in remote areas of Meghalaya, the State Health and Family Welfare Department has been honoured with the prestigious SKOCH Award 2026 for its initiative “Transforming Breast Cancer Screening in Meghalaya Using Artificial Intelligence.”
Presented during the recent 108th SKOCH Summit – Public Policy Forum on “Regulatory Framework for Viksit Bharat” in New Delhi recently, the award was received by Dr Carolinda Iangrai, Additional Director of Health Services (MCH & FW)-cum-State Nodal Officer, NP-NCD, and Tenneychell Khongrangjem, State Epidemiologist-cum-State Programme Officer, NP-NCD, NHM Meghalaya.
Under the new initiative, AI-based thermal screening technology is used to support the early detection of breast cancer, particularly among women living in remote and underserved parts of Meghalaya.
The programme combines community outreach, screening, referral and follow-up mechanisms to ensure that high-risk cases receive timely diagnosis and treatment.
According to the Health Department, 1,683 women have been screened so far under the pilot project, with several high-risk cases identified and referred for further clinical evaluation.
Officials said the recognition underscores Meghalaya’s growing emphasis on technology-enabled and preventive healthcare, with AI increasingly being deployed to bridge healthcare gaps in difficult-to-access regions.
The department dedicated the award to its healthcare professionals, programme personnel and frontline workers, whose efforts made the implementation of the initiative possible, while reiterating its commitment to expanding innovative and evidence-based healthcare interventions across the State.
