In a major step toward combating cervical cancer, the second most common cancer among women in India, researchers at AIIMS have developed an affordable screening kit priced at just Rs 100. The kit, designed under the Make in India initiative, claims 100 per cent accuracy in early detection of cervical cancer.
India records more than 1.25 lakh cases and over 70,000 deaths from cervical cancer every year.
The new screening method offers a low-cost alternative to Pap smear and HPV DNA tests, which cost around Rs 6,000 in private hospitals and Rs 2,000 even at AIIMS. After the patent application, the kit is currently undergoing validation by partnering companies. It is expected to enter the market by late 2026, following corporate agreements.
So far, the kit has been tested on 400 samples since 2021, with complete accuracy reported.
Developed using nanotechnology, the kit detects high-risk HPV strains, the primary cause of cervical cancer, within two hours. Its user-friendly procedure can be carried out by ASHA workers or nurses at primary health centres.
A magnet-based solution technique is used to identify infection, and the results can be confirmed under UV light; redness indicates a positive case.
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The kit has been created by a multidisciplinary team led by Dr Subhash Chandra Yadav from the Department of Anatomy at AIIMS. The team includes Dr Neerja Bhatla, former Head of Gynaecology, along with researchers Srishti Raman, Jyoti Meena, Shikha Chaudhary, and Pranay Tanwar.
Once launched:
-Government hospitals will provide the test free of cost
-Private institutions may purchase it from the open market at a nominal price
Experts believe the innovation will significantly boost early detection and reduce cervical cancer deaths across India.