From Our Correspondent
Amaravati: In a significant step towards transforming public healthcare through advanced technology, the Andhra Pradesh government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AstraZeneca India to establish an Integrated Genomic Solutions Centre (IGSC) in Amaravati. The initiative is aimed at introducing precision oncology into the state’s public health system, making Andhra Pradesh one of the first states in India to integrate genomics and artificial intelligence (AI) for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. AstraZeneca India will implement the project in collaboration with Strand Life Sciences and health-tech company Qure.ai, while the state government will provide infrastructure and institutional support. The initiative will also be integrated with the Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) ecosystem, which aims to position the capital city as a hub for cutting-edge technologies.
The proposed genomics centre will use Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and biomarker testing to enable personalised treatment for patients with lung and breast cancer. AI-powered screening tools, including chest X-ray solutions developed by Qure.ai, will be deployed in selected government hospitals to facilitate early detection of lung cancer and reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment. During the initial phase, AstraZeneca India will also facilitate complimentary biomarker testing to improve access to advanced diagnostics that are often beyond the reach of many patients.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said healthcare is undergoing a fundamental transformation driven by artificial intelligence, genomics and data science. He said the government’s objective is to ensure these technologies are available to every citizen through the public healthcare system rather than being confined to a few advanced institutions. Naidu added that the partnership aligns with Andhra Pradesh’s broader technology-driven initiatives, including Sanjeevani, Real Time Governance and Amaravati Quantum Valley, and would help build a predictive, preventive and personalised healthcare ecosystem.
For AstraZeneca India, the collaboration represents an opportunity to expand precision oncology in India through scientific innovation and equitable access to advanced cancer care. The company said the programme will create an integrated patient pathway linking district hospitals, medical colleges and specialised cancer centres, ensuring seamless referrals from screening to diagnosis, genomic testing, treatment and long-term follow-up.
The partnership is expected to strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s emerging life sciences ecosystem while reinforcing Amaravati’s ambition to become a national centre for healthcare innovation, advanced genomics and AI-driven medical research.