Science TechnologyFriday, 25 September 2026·The Hindu - National
AI-enabled cervical cancer screening training in Assam: ASHAs shape ICMR-funded pilot
A three-year ICMR-funded pilot in Assam will use inputs from about 110 ASHAs to build an AI training platform and multilingual voice chatbot for cervical cancer screening.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In September 2026, about 110 Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in rural Assam helped shape an Artificial Intelligence-enabled training platform and multilingual voice chatbot for cervical cancer screening, under a three-year pilot funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Key specifics
- About 110 ASHAs shared field experiences at a workshop in Silchar, in Assam’s Barak Valley.
- The project is a three-year pilot study funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
- The digital tools are being developed by The George Institute for Global Health India and Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre.
- ASHAs reviewed 155 common questions on cervical cancer and screening during the workshop.
- The proposed platform includes voice-based local-language interaction, FAQs, quizzes, reminders, and progress tracking.
Exam lens
Question type: Science & technology plus public health scheme-based MCQ, ICMR-funded pilot, ASHA role, Silchar and Barak Valley, 110 ASHAs, 155 questions, multilingual chatbot. TNPSC may ask which institution funds the pilot or what features the AI tool will include.