Goa Health Dept Pushes AI & Community Initiatives for TB & Cancer Detection

Goa is actively participating in the national '100 Days of TB Elimination' campaign, focusing on high-risk areas.

Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has recently announced that Goa’s health department has launched public-private partnerships (PPP) to integrate advanced technologies into healthcare.

This includes deploying AI-enabled X-ray screening systems and NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) equipment for the early detection of tuberculosis (TB).

Rane highlighted the importance of innovation in addressing pressing healthcare issues. "Early detection is crucial, and cutting-edge tools will help us significantly improve outcomes in combating TB and other diseases," he said.

‘100 Days of TB Elimination’ Campaign

Goa is actively participating in the national '100 Days of TB Elimination' campaign, focusing on high-risk areas.

The drive involves outreach activities, community engagement, and partnerships through the Nikshay Mitra program.

From January 1-12, targeted awareness campaigns will take place in vulnerable regions.

Youths and influential personalities will be mobilized to promote the initiative, with Republic Day events amplifying the message.

Weekly monitoring will track progress, and social media campaigns will include impactful videos to drive awareness.

Additionally, Usgao and Shiroda panchayats have been recognized as “TB Mukt” under the Union Health Ministry's 2023 initiative.

To earn this status, a panchayat must collect at least 30 samples per 1,000 population and maintain TB cases at zero or one per 1,000.

AI-Driven Cancer Detection

In collaboration with AstraZeneca India, Goa has introduced AI-based lung cancer screening powered by Qure.ai’s advanced technology.

With 1,400-1,500 new cancer cases annually, early detection is a critical focus area. Rane emphasized the initiative's potential to improve survival rates by enabling timely diagnosis at district hospitals.

"AI-based solutions represent a transformative step in cancer detection and care. By leveraging these technologies, we aim to enhance outcomes and improve the quality of life for our citizens," he posted on X.

Integrated Efforts for Better Health Outcomes

Rane also underscored the importance of linking women and child development (WCD) with healthcare services, particularly through Anganwadi workers.

During a virtual meeting with Union Health Minister JP Nadda, he stressed the need for collaborative and sustainable solutions at the grassroots level.

Through these initiatives, Goa aims to enhance healthcare delivery, improve early detection, and reduce the burden of TB and cancer in the state.

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