In a major stride toward its goal of eliminating tuberculosis (TB) as desired by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh flagged off an advanced van equipped with handheld X-ray machine and fluorescent microscope from Directorate of Health and Family Welfare here on Tuesday.
Notably, the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, in collaboration with the People-to-People Health Foundation has donated two handheld X-ray machines and two fluorescent microscopes to the Punjab Health Department.
While expressing gratitude to the IOCL, Dr Balbir Singh said that these machines will strengthen diagnostic capabilities in Sangrur and Malerkotla districts.Underlining the need of early detection, Dr Balbir Singh said that, in Punjab, the 2020-21 survey revealed a prevalence-notification ratio of 2.8:1, underscoring the critical need for enhanced screening efforts.
Notably, the survey also found that over 40% of notified cases were asymptomatic and detected through X-ray findings, emphasizing the vital role of this diagnostic tool.Recognizing the limitations of traditional fixed X-ray machines in reaching underserved populations, Punjab has embraced innovative solutions like handheld X-ray technology.
Highlighting the importance of these machines the Health Minister said that these compact and portable devices proved their effectiveness during the recent 100-day intensified TB campaign, where approximately 1.49 lakh X-rays were conducted in the field.
The addition of these two new handheld units, alongside two fluorescent microscopes also provided by IOCL, will empower healthcare workers in Sangrur and Malerkotla to conduct wider screenings and facilitate early diagnosis and treatment initiation among vulnerable communities.
"We are immensely grateful to IOCL and the People-to-People Health Foundation for their invaluable support in our mission to eliminate TB from Punjab," said Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh during the flagging-off ceremony. "These handheld X-ray machines represent a significant leap forward in our diagnostic capacity.
Their portability will allow us to reach individuals in remote areas, work places like factories and congregation settings like old age homes, orphanages etc ensuring that more cases are detected early, leading to better treatment outcomes and ultimately saving lives.”
The Health Minister emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in tackling the TB crisis and lauded IOCL's commitment to this crucial public health issue. He expressed confidence that these new resources would be effectively utilized to screen a larger population in Sangrur and Malerkotla, bringing the state closer to its TB elimination goals.
The Health Minister also acknowledged the potential of Artificial Intelligence in augmenting X-ray diagnostics, as recommended by the WHO, for faster and more accurate results.MD NHM Ghanshyam Thori, Director Health and Family Welfare Dr Hitinder Kaur, Director Health Services(Family Welfare) Dr Jasminder, Director (ESI) Dr Jaspreet Kaur and State TB Officer Dr Rajesh Bhaskar were also present on the occasion.