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Metropolis Healthcare Unveils Self-Sampling HPV DNA Test in Collaboration with Roche Diagnostics India

In a bid to expand access to early cervical cancer screening, Ameera Shah-led Metropolis Healthcare Limited, India’s second-largest pathology laboratory chain, today announced a strategic collaboration with Roche Diagnostics India and Neighbouring Markets. The partnership will introduce a self-sampling human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA test designed to overcome social and economic barriers to screening, particularly in Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4 towns.


Cervical cancer remains a significant public health challenge in India. Despite being preventable, the country accounts for 21% of the world’s total cervical cancer cases, with nearly 79,000 Indian women losing their lives each year. Experts attribute these high mortality rates to late-stage intervention, underscoring the need for early detection through regular screening.

Recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the preferred screening method for cervical cancer prevention, the new HPV DNA test detects 14 high-risk HPV types in a single tube. The test is clinically validated, FDA-approved, and WHO-prequalified, ensuring reliable and accurate diagnosis that can facilitate early intervention and improve patient outcomes.

A key innovation of the test is its self-sampling capability. By empowering women to collect their own samples comfortably and privately, the test aims to address the stigma, discomfort, and limited access to healthcare facilities that often deter women from undergoing screening.

“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,” said Mr. Surendran Chemmenkotil, Chief Executive Officer of Metropolis Healthcare Limited. “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.”

Mr. Rishubh Gupta, Managing Director of Roche Diagnostics India and Neighbouring Markets, emphasized the urgency of improving screening rates. “Considering that, as per a 2020 NFHS survey, only about 1.9% 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 the 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.”

Dr. Kirti Chadha, Chief Scientific and Innovation Officer and Senior Oncopathologist at Metropolis Healthcare Limited, highlighted the importance of early detection in the fight against cervical cancer. “Cervical cancer’s slow progression offers a critical window for early detection, yet lack of awareness and timely screening remain significant barriers. 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.”

With this innovative test, Metropolis Healthcare and its partners are poised to transform cervical cancer screening across India, offering hope for early detection and reducing the burden of this preventable disease on millions of women.


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