Despite pristine environment, remote villages battle high TB rates; AI and mobile X-ray units help identify hidden cases

Srinagar:  Jammu and Kashmir, otherwise known for its clean air, fresh water, and organic produce, is facing an unexpected health crisis: a high prevalence of tuberculosis (TB). More than 3700 cases of TB have been reported from December last year to March, this year. Meanwhile, health workers are now using artificial intelligence (AI) and portable X-ray machines to detect asymptomatic TB cases, bringing hidden infections to light.

Thanks to these technological interventions, hundreds of new TB patients have been identified in areas where healthcare access is limited. On World TB Day (March 24), villages from these regions will be honored in Delhi for their united efforts in the fight against the disease.

Under the Prime Minister’s 100-day TB-Free India Campaign (December 7, 2024 – March 23, 2025), Jammu and Kashmir alone detected over 3,700 TB patients, with more than 90% diagnosed in government hospitals. According to the Nikshay portal, Jammu district reported the highest number of cases (1,568), followed by Srinagar (412), Baramulla (361), and Udhampur (266). Even smaller districts like Budgam (11) and Pulwama (22) saw new detections.

Reaching remote Himalayan villages has always been a challenge, making TB detection difficult. To bridge this gap, the Central Tuberculosis Division, in collaboration with state governments, deployed AI-assisted X-ray machines developed by ICMR scientists. Additionally, indigenous sputum transport systems now safely carry samples from villages to testing centers, keeping them viable for up to eight hours.

“These innovations have been game-changers,” said a senior official from the Central TB Division. “Earlier, many cases went undetected due to logistical hurdles. Now, we’re finding even dormant infections.”

Doctors explain that TB, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other organs. Despite the region’s clean environment, factors like poor nutrition, limited healthcare access, and delayed diagnosis contribute to its persistence.

Pertinently, India’s TB testing rate has surged to 2,267 per 100,000 population (2015-2024), the highest globally—a testament to the success of such initiatives. As the Himalayan villages are recognized for their efforts, the hope is that continued innovation and awareness will bring the country closer to a TB-free future.