The AIIMS Bhopal has launched an innovative research initiative to screen and identify symptoms of oral cancer and other pre-malignant conditions through a mobile application. The Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology has approved this two-year research project. A total of Rs 7.4 lakh has been sanctioned, of which Rs 3.7 lakh has already been released as the first installment for the initial year. This mobile app will assist in the screening of oral cancer, mouth opening restriction disease, and other serious oral health conditions. The app will provide results within minutes while ensuring complete confidentiality of patient data.
The research is being spearheaded by Dr. Anshul Rai, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, AIIMS Bhopal, as the Principal Investigator. Co-project investigators include Dr. Saikat Das (Department of Radiation Oncology), Prof. Abhinav Singh, Dr. Deepti Joshi (Department of Pathology), and Dr. Ankur Joshi (Department of Community and Family Medicine). Out of the total sanctioned amount, Rs 4.8 lakh has been allocated as salary for a Junior Research Fellow for two years. In addition, Rs 60,000 will be used for consumables, Rs 1 lakh for travel, and Rs 1 lakh for publication and printing expenses. Scientist and Principal Investigator Dr. Anshul Rai shared that the mobile app has been under development for the past year. He also mentioned that the Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology has granted a total funding of Rs 7.5 lakh for the project.
Over the course of two years, the research team will study 1,000 individuals and submit a comprehensive report to the government with recommendations for oral cancer prevention policies.
This app is the first innovation of its kind to receive government funding and will clearly indicate the probability of developing cancer. Currently, there is no app in the market offering such extensive features.
Through this app, patients will be able to easily determine whether they have early or advanced symptoms of oral cancer. The app will generate results within minutes while keeping all patient information completely confidential.