Radiology AI

AI-driven TB screening algorithms are revolutionizing healthcare in India, significantly boosting notifications and uncovering previously undetected cases. In a country bearing a substantial portion of the global TB burden, this technological leap is proving invaluable.

Qure.ai, a Mumbai-based startup specializing in AI-driven medical imaging solutions, in collaboration with India Health Fund (IHF), has spearheaded the deployment of the qXR tool across 139 healthcare facilities in India since February 2020. With a focus on TB screening, Qure.ai has already screened 120,031 individuals, underscoring the impact of this innovative approach.

The genesis of this initiative lies in the recognition of the scarcity of radiologists in remote areas capable of interpreting chest X-rays. Prashant Warier, CEO, and co-founder of Qure.ai, explains the pivotal role of AI in automating this process. By leveraging algorithms to analyze chest X-rays for TB detection, the need for immediate radiologist intervention diminishes, facilitating prompt diagnosis even in resource-constrained settings.

The efficacy of qXR has garnered international recognition, with the World Health Organization referencing it in its March 2021 TB screening guidelines. Warier emphasizes the practical implications of AI-enabled diagnosis, emphasizing the ability to provide same-day results, thus minimizing patient attrition during the diagnostic process, particularly in regions where patients traverse long distances for healthcare access.

The tangible outcomes of this technology are evident in the significant surge in notifications. Warier notes a 30-40% increase in notifications, particularly notable in areas like Mumbai and Rajasthan. This surge not only enhances case detection but also mitigates the risk of lost and follow-up cases, crucial for effective TB management.

Madhav Joshi, CEO of IHF, highlights the transformative impact of such approach, citing the case of the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM). Initially focused on analyzing X-rays of patients undergoing TB tests, MCGM expanded its scope to include patients seeking treatment for other ailments. Consequently, MCGM now identifies approximately 20% of TB cases among individuals not originally seeking TB diagnosis or treatment, underscoring the broader societal benefits of AI-driven healthcare interventions.