Media Release
Udupi, Apr 14: In a bid to help eliminate cervical cancer which is one of the most common cancer project PRESCRIP-TEC was unveiled. Aimed at eliminating cervical cancer proposes an innovative screening approach of self-test using HPV swabs and VIA using artificial intelligence this was inaugurated at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) in the presence of guests of honour, Dr Nagabhushan Udupa, DHO Udupi, and Dr Nagarathna Shastry, DSO Udupi.
Dr PLNG Rao, pro-vice-chancellor, MAHE, presided over the function and Dr Sharath Rao, dean, Kasturba Medical College(KMC) of Manipal, welcomed the gathering. Dr Keerthana Prasad, director, Manipal School of Information Sciences(MSIS), who is the lead principal investigator of the project, provided a brief overview during the inauguration. Dr Shyamala G, professor of Gynaecology, KMC Manipal, the principal investigator, was the master of ceremony, and Dr Arathi Rao, associate professor, Prasanna School of Public health and principal investigator, proposed the vote of thanks.
In his speech, Dr Udupa mentioned the prevalence of cervical cancer screening in different parts of Karnataka and the project's relevance in enhancing the same. Moreover, Dr Nagarathna inspired all the community health workers present at the function to join hands when the project is rolled out in different villages of the Udupi district.
Speaking about the project, Dr Sharath Rao, dean, KMC Manipal, said, "Cervical cancer screening should be an integral part of a woman's regular health check-up. Having an early diagnosis of cervical cancer is the best way to ensure a successful treatment. However, there is still a lack of awareness about the importance of regular screenings. The PRESCRIP-TEC project brings us one step closer to eliminating cervical cancer, and we hope to get all the support needed to put this project into action. I would also like to thank Dr Udupa and Dr Shastry for honouring us with their presence."
The University Medical Centre, Groningen, Netherlands, is the lead institution of the overall consortium which consists of 18 partners from 6 countries, out of which seven partners are from India and MAHE is the lead coordinator of the Indian consortium. DBT has granted Rs 4.96 crores for the project activities in India, and the European Commission has granted 3 million Euros for the activities in other countries, namely Bangladesh, Uganda, and Slovakia.