In a major boost to India’s fight against Tuberculosis (TB), AI-enabled portable X-ray machines are revolutionizing screening efforts, particularly in vulnerable areas of Uttar Pradesh. These handheld devices, deployed in camps and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, are ensuring faster, more accessible, and efficient TB detection, reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation.
Dr. Rajat Kumar Chaurasia, Chief Medical Officer, Siddharth Nagar, highlighted the impact of these AI-powered X-ray machines, stating: “With the help of these portable X-ray machines, we do at least 150 tests in a day, though it has the capacity for more than 250 examinations within just 5 seconds.” The accuracy rate stands at 90%, making it a valuable tool in early TB detection.
Unlike conventional X-ray centers, these machines are taken directly to patients, significantly reducing wait times and improving screening coverage.
If an X-ray detects TB suspicion, patients undergo Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT), which delivers results within 40 minutes to an hour. This rapid turnaround ensures immediate treatment initiation for confirmed cases, minimizing disease transmission.
According to the National TB Prevalence Survey, nearly 43% of TB cases would have been missed without chest X-rays. The WHO’s Global TB Report 2024 has recognized India’s progress in enhancing TB case detection, with Uttar Pradesh leading the way. More such AI-powered machines are expected to be introduced with support from industrialists and the government.
