Launches high-performance High-Risk HPV DNA testing to accelerate Cervical Cancer screening across India
Metropolis Healthcare announced its collaboration with Roche Diagnostics India and Neighbouring Markets to introduce the self-sampling human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA test for cervical cancer screening.
The launch of this test aims to expand access to cervical cancer screening across India by addressing social and economic barriers and making early detection more convenient for women, including those in Tier II, Tier III, and Tier IV towns.
Surendran Chemmenkotil, CEO, Metropolis Healthcare, said, “Cervical cancer remains a major health challenge for Indian women, despite being preventable through early screening and vaccination. By introducing advanced screening tools like the HPV DNA test, in collaboration with Roche Diagnostics India, we aim to expand access to early detection across the country. At Metropolis, we are committed to leveraging our robust scientific expertise, extensive laboratory network, and strong partnerships with hospitals and healthcare providers to ensure widespread access to this essential test. Together, we are working toward a future where cervical cancer is no longer a threat.”
“Considering that as per a 2020 NHFS survey, only about 1.9 per cent of women in India are currently being screened, it is clear that more needs to be done to make cervical cancer screening accessible across India. Our cobas HPV DNA test provides women with a solution that allows them to overcome the potential embarrassment and discomfort that some may feel about undergoing cervical cancer screening process. I am confident that Metropolis Healthcare’s vast and established laboratory footprint will allow India to adopt cervical cancer screening at a large scale, especially in underserved areas,” said Rishubh Gupta, MD, Roche Diagnostics India and Neighbouring Markets.
Dr Kirti Chadha, Chief Scientific and Innovation Officer and Senior Oncopathologist, Metropolis Healthcare, said, “The introduction of self-sampling high-risk HPV DNA testing is a major step forward, making screening more accessible and patient-friendly. At Metropolis, we believe that every scientific solution, regardless of its potential, must be validated for performance before being introduced into a live testing environment. We have successfully compared this platform with existing gold-standard technology and achieved good results with the self-sampling strategy, which is in line with WHO recommendations, advancing the potential for improved cervical cancer prevention.”
