Maharashtra’s Thane District Conducts TB Screening For 14,000+ People
Thane district in Maharashtra has screened over 14,000 people for tuberculosis (TB) using artificial intelligence–enabled handheld X-ray machines, strengthening early detection as part of India’s TB elimination drive.
According to a release by the Thane Zilla Parishad (ZP), the district administration deployed mobile AI-based screening units across all villages, focusing on high-risk and underserved communities. The technology-driven campaign led to the identification of 2,493 suspected TB cases, who were subsequently linked to confirmatory testing and care pathways.
The AI-assisted chest X-ray system enables rapid screening in the field and is combined with conventional diagnostic follow-up under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP). Officials said this approach has helped improve outreach in remote areas and reduce delays in diagnosis.
Screening activity was particularly intensive in Badlapur, Bhiwandi, Kalyan, Murbad and Shahapur, with Bhiwandi and Murbad reporting comparatively higher detection rates due to focused surveillance efforts.
The initiative reflects a broader trend in Maharashtra and other parts of the country, where portable, AI-powered X-ray technologies are increasingly being used to accelerate TB detection, triage patients efficiently and curb transmission. District officials highlighted the campaign aligns with state and national strategies aimed at early diagnosis, timely treatment and ultimately eliminating tuberculosis as a public health threat.
