Balochistan To Get 30 AI-based Digital X-ray Machines Under Provincial TB Control Programme
As part of the Provincial TB Control Programme’s efforts to diagnose and control Tuberculosis in Balochistan, 30 digital x-ray machines equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) will be deployed to all districts of the province. Dr. Asif Shahwani, Provincial Manager of the TB Control Programme, stated that these AI-equipped machines, provided by the Global Fund, will not only diagnose TB stages but also provide insights into other pulmonary diseases.
Once installed in the districts, there will be no need for radiologists, as mentioned by Shahwani. Technical training sessions will be initiated to train the technical staff for operating the digital x-ray machines effectively.
Currently, there are 15,000 TB patients in the province, with 17% being children. Efforts are being made to enhance tracing of affected individuals. Treatment duration for TB has been reduced from 18 to six months with the support of the programme. Each patient receives Rs 10,000 for food and Rs 2,000 for traveling expenses monthly for check-ups. Additionally, four mobile vehicles equipped with modern machines and detection tools are active in remote areas to facilitate TB patients.
The programme has established around 200 TB control centres equipped with modern microscopes, working tirelessly for TB prevention. Patient data has been digitalized for effective monitoring.
Furthermore, PMDT centres have been established in Quetta, Loralai, and Turbat, along with three satellite centres as pilot projects in Hub, Noshki, and Jaffarabad. Oxygen plants will be installed in teaching hospitals, and incinerators will be fixed in district headquarters hospitals for solid waste disposal.
Over the next three years, around 5,000 health workers will be trained in TB prevention, with incentives provided. Additionally, 2,000 lady health workers and 200 lady health supervisors have been trained in TB prevention under the programme.
A TB control officer has been appointed in each district to head and monitor the programme.