The state government will soon incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into health services for early identification of people with tuberculosis, leading to faster treatment.
Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Minister Satya Kumar Yadav on Tuesday announced at a virtual inspection meeting held as World TB Day that the government will procure 100 artificial intelligence handheld X-ray machines through tenders at a cost of around ₹20 crore.
This artificial intelligence machine will help increase TB surveillance as it can only be identified when an individual comes to the hospital on their own or is referred to the hospitals by ASHAs, ANMs or community health workers. However, this portable machine can be used to perform tests at people’s doorsteps. Each district will receive six to eight such units.
A digital X-ray image of a person’s chest is taken using this machine. The X-ray appears on the computer within 30 seconds and an AI-based report is generated based on it. The entire process takes about two minutes per person, according to the press release. Based on the report, those who require further examination will undergo sputum tests as part of the follow-up.
A total of 78,416 cases of tuberculosis have been registered in the state in 2025, the minister said, adding that 16,727 cases have been identified since January this year till date. 40,000 people are currently being treated. These advanced machines will be taken to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs or Village Health Clinics in villages identified as hotspots where local residents will be collected and tested. There are 10,032 VHCs in the state.
The Central TB Division has identified 4,126 villages in the state as outbreaks. Of these, Anakapalli district has the highest number with 612 villages, followed by Srikakulam (374), Vizianagaram (317) and Nellore (210).
According to State TB Officer Dr. Ramesh, these villages were selected based on criteria such as conducting tests for at least 30 people per 1,000 population by 2025, reporting at least one TB case, providing financial assistance through DBT and distributing nutritional kits to patients.
Published – 25 March 2026 00:03 IST
