Tag: Portable X-ray

Health

GOA TAKES A STEP FORWARD TOWARDS TB MUKT STATE WITH AI-ENABLED ULTRAPORTABLE DIGITAL X-RAY SYSTEMS

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji | September 5, 2025: In a significant advancement towards eradicating tuberculosis, Goa has taken a decisive step forward by integrating AI-enabled ultraportable digital X-ray systems into its primary healthcare network. The move aligns with the national TB Mukt Bharat campaign spearheaded by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

At a ceremony held at the Institute Menezes Braganza Hall in Panaji, four units of the Prorad Ultraportable Digital X-ray System, equipped with artificial intelligence, were handed over to the Directorate of Health Services (DHS), Government of Goa. These units are now deployed at PHC Navelim, PHC Betki, PHC Curtorim, and PHC Corlim.

The initiative is part of the Rotary TB Diagnostics and Cure Program, made possible under the Rotary Global Grant GG2478242. The grant was facilitated by Rotary Foundation, Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera, Rotary Club of Dona Paula, and Rotary International Districts – 3640 (South Korea), 5930 (USA), and 3170 (India).

These ultraportable X-ray machines come with built-in artificial intelligence, enabling early and accurate detection of TB, especially in rural and underserved areas. This diagnostic capability will also extend to conditions like lung cancer, fractures, and other thoracic issues during routine screenings.

Speaking at the event, Health Minister Shri Vishwajeet Rane expressed gratitude to the Rotary Clubs for this significant donation. “This is more than technology—it’s about saving lives,” he said, adding that Goa is on its way to becoming a TB Mukt State. He also revealed that a state-of-the-art cancer hospital in collaboration with Tata Memorial Centre is coming up in the state.

A short video showcasing how these AI-enabled X-ray machines are transforming health diagnostics in Goa was screened at the event. Donors and dignitaries were felicitated, highlighting the spirit of global collaboration and public health advancement.

Key attendees included Dr. Rupa Naik, Director, DHS; Rtn. Sharad Pai, District Governor, RID 3170; Rtn. Hong Kyoo Jo, District Governor, RID 3640 (South Korea); Dr. Manish Gaunekar, Chief Medical Officer, National TB Elimination Program; Rtn. Jeet Tolani; Rtn. Azeema Kulkarni; Rtn. Raja Melwani; along with senior Rotarians, DHS officers, and medical professionals.

The program was formally opened by Rtn. Tanvi Sawant, Club President 2024-25, Rotary Club Panaji Riviera, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Rtn. Philip Alvares, Club Secretary 2024-25, Rotary Club of Dona Paula.

This initiative showcases how global partnerships and local implementation can bridge the gap in healthcare, bringing cutting-edge diagnostic tools to those who need them the most. Goa’s progress toward becoming a TB Mukt State sets an example for other regions aiming to leverage technology for public good.

Health

Molbio Diagnostics Empowers Philippines to Fast-Track TB Elimination with Truenat and Ultra-Portable X-ray Tech

Tanisha Cardozo

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be one of the Philippines’ most pressing public health challenges, with nearly 190,000 cases going undetected each year. In a transformative move aligned with the UN goal to treat 2.1 million TB cases by 2027, the Philippines Department of Health has embraced Indian innovation to revolutionize its TB response.

At the forefront is the Truenat® platform, a WHO-endorsed, ICMR-approved molecular diagnostic solution developed by Goa-based Molbio Diagnostics. Designed for portability, accuracy, and speed, the Truenat® system supports rapid testing not just for TB, but for a wide array of infectious diseases, including HIV, HPV, and Hepatitis B & C.

Currently, 68 Truenat® devices are operational across the Philippines. A pilot on Bantayan Island yielded a staggering 1008% increase in TB detection — a powerful testament to the platform’s impact.

Geographic barriers, under-resourced labs, and limited rural access have long hindered TB diagnosis in the Philippines. Truenat®, alongside the newly approved PRORAD Atlas Ultraportable X-ray system, now makes it possible to deliver end-to-end screening, diagnosis, and treatment — even in the most isolated communities.

During an official visit to Molbio’s facility in India, Philippines Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro J Herbosa commended the partnership, calling it a “beacon of innovation” and highlighting the broader strategic alliance between the two nations. “Truenat® allows for swift and accurate TB screenings, enhancing our capacity to manage and eventually eliminate TB within our borders,” he said.

This healthcare collaboration reflects a growing Indo-Philippine partnership that now exceeds $3 billion in trade, spanning pharmaceuticals, medical technology, and beyond.

Molbio Diagnostics will further its engagement with the Philippines by hosting a panel at the 31st Philippine Coalition Against Tuberculosis (PhilCAT) Annual Convention in Manila on August 14–15, 2025.

The company’s broader mission continues through projects like a multi-country R2D2 TB Network study exploring tongue-swab molecular testing — a game-changer for TB detection among children and people with HIV/AIDS.

“By bringing diagnostics to the doorstep of underserved communities, we aim to close the TB care gap and help countries build stronger, more resilient health systems,” said Shiva Sriram, President of Molbio Diagnostics.