Portable X-ray machines to help beat TB in remote areas of Sirmaur

Residents in the remote areas of Sirmaur district will soon gain access to portable handheld X-ray machines, which will enable early detection of tuberculosis (TB) and other infections without requiring visits to hospitals in the initial stages. Health department personnel will conduct on-site screenings, referring only confirmed cases to hospitals for further treatment.

This initiative, supported under a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, comes with the donation of a portable handheld X-ray machine worth Rs 30 lakh by Sun Pharma Industrial Unit. The advanced machine, set to be operational within this week, is expected to enhance the efficiency of TB case detection while saving time and making healthcare more accessible to those living in remote locations.

The introduction of this device addresses the lack of adequate X-ray facilities in the district’s hospitals, which has previously slowed down the TB screening process. With its portability and ease of transport, the machine will aid the government’s 100-day TB-free India screening campaign by bringing healthcare directly to underserved areas.

Equipped with a laptop and camera, the device can capture high-quality images of patients’ lungs, providing instant results. This quick diagnosis will allow health workers to identify TB suspects promptly, ensuring that only confirmed cases are referred to hospitals for further tests and treatment. The device is also designed to minimise radiation exposure, ensuring safe and effective use.

Dr Ajay Pathak, Chief Medical Officer of Sirmaur, explained that the machine would initially be deployed in high-burden areas and regions without existing X-ray facilities. The department plans to conduct screenings systematically and provide timely treatment to patients. He emphasised the role of this portable device in strengthening the TB elimination programme and bridging gaps in healthcare accessibility.

“This portable X-ray machine will play a crucial role in implementing the TB elimination programme in Sirmaur, improving healthcare delivery and screening efficiency in remote areas,” said Dr Pathak.