Chennai UPHCs to use AI in X-ray screening to detect TB cases early

Chennai: Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) plans will introduce AI-based analysis of chest X-rays in its public health facilities to speed up detection of tuberculosis and other respiratory illness. With 1 crore earmarked for software and equipment, the system will support seven mobile TB screening units and X-ray facilities at 15 urban primary health centres, enabling automated image analysis and faster diagnostic reports.At present, the corporation operates seven mobile tuberculosis screening units in the city. In addition, units with X-ray facilities will be available at the UPHCs in 15 places across all 15 zones initially. "The interpretation of X-ray images currently depends largely on manual review by radiologists or trained doctors, which can sometimes delay reporting due to high patient volumes," said GCC city health officer M Jagadeesan.Now the AI software will analyse X-ray images captured through these mobile machines and automatically generate diagnostic reports. "This will help doctors identify potential cases of tuberculosis and other respiratory illnesses quickly during the consultation. This technology is expected to significantly reduce the time taken for preliminary screening and assist medical personnel in prioritising patients who require further clinical evaluation," he said.Officials said that this will also help strengthen surveillance and early diagnosis of tuberculosis, which remains a major public health concern in the city. "Integrating artificial intelligence into routine diagnostic services will enhance the corporation's public health capacity, particularly in outreach screening programmes conducted through mobile units," said an official.