TB free India campaignImage Credit Source: Getty Images
TB screening in rural India: A big step has been taken to eliminate TB (Tuberculosis) in the country. The central government is now going to buy 1500 portable handheld X-ray devices, so that TB can be identified in remote areas on time as well. Earlier, the government has given 473 such devices to the states, but after the arrival of new devices, the speed and reach of the investigation will increase.
Portable X-ray machines are effective for places where there are no large hospitals or traditional X-ray machines do not reach. These devices can be used in mobile vans, primary health centers and community campaigns. Through them, screening will be possible from house to house and TB can be identified immediately.
Machines will be equipped with Artificial Intelligence AI
These machines will be useful especially in areas where there are no big hospitals. There is also Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in them, which immediately detects the disease. NITI Aayog and ICMR have also advised that the use of digital technology and mobile health tools should be increased to immediately examine diseases like TB. These devices will also provide cloud storage, tele-radiology and real time data sharing.
Former WHO scientist Dr. Soumya Swaminathan’s support
Former WHO scientist Dr. Soumya Swaminathan It is said that this decision will help in reaching the patients who used to stay away from investigation till now. With the help of technology, India can become an example for the world in the fight against TB. However, it is necessary that these initiatives get full political support as well as emphasize data-oriented policies as now new machines, digital technology and new methods of fast investigation are being used instead of old methods.
Villages are also being made against TB, Maharashtra leads
The villages are not far behind in the fight against TB. So far, 50 thousand gram panchayats of the country have been declared TB free. Maharashtra is at the forefront of this while Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand are also among the top states.
TB free gram panchayat scheme
In 2023, the government started the TB -free Gram Panchayat Yojana. If there is no TB patient in a village or all the patients are completely cured, then that panchayat is considered TB free. Experts believe that with this participation of villages, India can reach very close to its goal of eliminating TB by 2025.