Spot cancer sooner: North India's first AI-powered scanner launched
The 128 Slice Digital PET-CT scanner, called Omni Legend and developed by GE HealthCare, has been installed at Mahajan Imaging & Labs in Gurugram, a centre known for advanced diagnostics and medical imaging.
The device is the first of its kind in North India. It uses advanced digital detector technology combined with artificial intelligence to deliver sharper images at a much faster speed. Most importantly, it does so with up to 60% less radiation exposure than traditional PET-CT models, making the process safer for patients. The 128 Slice Digital PET-CT scanner, known as Omni Legend and developed by GE HealthCare, has been installed at Mahajan Imaging's facility and is the first of its kind in north India.(Photo: Mahajan Imaging & Labs)
The scanner was inaugurated by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who highlighted the urgent need for early cancer detection in India.
"More than 70% of cancer cases in India are diagnosed at advanced stages. With tools like this, we have a better chance to detect cancer earlier and save more lives," he said.
Data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and The Lancet show that nearly two-thirds of cancer patients in India die after diagnosis, largely due to late detection. Experts believe that early diagnosis enabled by such technology could improve survival rates.
The Gurugram facility also integrates a full-service pathology lab alongside the digital PET-CT unit, allowing for comprehensive diagnosis under one roof. Dr. Harsh Mahajan, founder of Mahajan Imaging, said the goal was to offer doctors everything they need for fast, accurate decision-making. The scanner was inaugurated by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who highlighted the urgent need for early cancer detection in India. (Photo: Mahajan Imaging & Labs)
"By combining this scanner with full lab support, we are trying to ensure that patients get the right diagnosis at the right time," he said.
Kabir Mahajan, chief operating officer at Mahajan Imaging, said the new scanner would also support ongoing research.
"We're in talks with pharmaceutical companies to use this technology to track the effectiveness of new cancer treatments," he said, adding that Mahajan Imaging has introduced several advanced machines across its centres over the past year.
The launch comes as India prepares to face an increase in cancer cases, with ICMR projecting more than 1.5 million new cases annually by 2025.
The government is also ramping up its efforts, with plans to open 200 Day Care Cancer Centres in district hospitals and recent moves to remove import duties on 36 life-saving cancer drugs.
Advanced diagnostic tools like the Omni Legend scanner could help reduce late-stage cancer diagnoses in the country.
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