Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based handheld X-ray devices will now be used to detect tuberculosis (TB) patients. This technology will provide test results in just three minutes, saving time in conducting X-rays and making door-to-door testing possible. Under an initiative by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the health department has received a total of 24 such devices, with pilot testing already underway in three departments.
Despite efforts, TB remains a significant health issue in Mumbai. To curb the number of TB patients, BMC has launched this initiative for the first time. As per the guidelines of the Central TB Division and the state government, a special 100-day campaign was conducted across different areas of BMC from December 7, 2024, to March 24, 2025.
The primary goal of this campaign was early detection of TB patients, reducing mortality rates, and controlling the number of new cases. More than 1.5 million high-risk individuals were surveyed, and potential TB patients were tested. A total of 61,000 NAT (Nucleic Acid Test) tests were conducted, and mobile X-ray vans were deployed for screening.
A senior BMC official stated that this technology would enable quicker identification of potential TB patients and allow for immediate further testing.
Easier Access to TB Patients
The use of AI-based handheld X-ray machines will make it easier to reach TB patients at their doorsteps, ensuring faster and more effective screening. The entire TB screening process will be completed within just three minutes using this device.
It is important to note that TB is a severe infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. If not treated on time, it can be fatal.
India has the highest number of TB cases in the world, accounting for nearly 27% of global TB cases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), TB claims two lives in India every three minutes. The Indian government has set an ambitious target to eradicate TB by 2025. This is why both central and state governments are launching such campaigns to accelerate TB detection and treatment.
