The State government will soon integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the health services for early identification of people with tuberculosis, leading to faster treatment.

While conducting a virtual review meeting on Tuesday, observed as the World TB Day, Minister for Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Satya Kumar Yadav announced that the government will procure 100 AI-enabled handheld X-ray machines through tenders at a cost of around ₹20 crore.

This AI-enabled machine will help in increasing TB surveillance, as it can be identified only when an individual comes to the hospital on their own or is referred to hospitals by ASHAs, ANMs or Community Health Officers. However, this portable machine can be used in conducting tests at the doorsteps of people. Each district will receive six to eight such units.

Using this machine, a digital X-ray image of a person’s chest is taken. The X-ray appears on a computer within 30 seconds, and an AI-based report is generated based on it. The entire process takes about two minutes per person, according to a press release. Based on the report, those who require further examination will undergo sputum tests as part of follow-up action.

In 2025, a total of 78,416 tuberculosis cases were recorded in the State, the Minister said, adding that from January of this year to date, 16,727 cases have been identified. At present, 40,000 people are undergoing treatment. These advanced machines will be taken to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs or Village Health Clinics in villages that are identified as hotspots where local residents will be gathered and tested. There are 10,032 VHCs in the State.

The Central TB Division identified 4,126 villages in the State as hotspots. Of them, Anakapalli district has the highest number with 612 villages, followed by Srikakulam (374), Vizianagaram (317), and Nellore (210).

According to State TB officer Dr. Ramesh, these villages were selected based on criteria such as conducting tests for at least 30 people per 1,000 population in 2025, reporting at least one TB case, providing financial assistance through DBT, and distributing nutrition kits to patients.