Panaji: Health minister Vishwajit Rane on Sunday said that his department has initiated public-private partnerships to deploy cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence-enabled X-ray screening systems and NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test) equipment for detecting tuberculosis in its early stages.
He said that the state is participating in the national ‘100 days of TB elimination’ drive by conducting focused outreach in high-risk regions, collaborating with community leaders and encouraging local involvement through the Nikshay Mitra programme.
“From Jan 1–12, targeted campaigns will be conducted in at-risk areas, engaging influential individuals and youths to raise awareness and mobilise action. Republic Day events will further amplify the message, focusing on vulnerable populations. Weekly monitoring will ensure progress, and influential personalities will be roped in to promote this drive, including sharing impactful video clips on social media,” Rane said.
During a virtual meeting with Union health minister J P Nadda, Rane emphasised the importance of linking women and child development (WCD) and health, recognising the vital role anganwadi workers (AWWs) play at the grassroots.
“By working together in unity, WCD and health can create effective, sustainable solutions,” he said.
Usgao and Shiroda panchayats have been recognised as “TB Mukt” under the Union health ministry’s 2023 initiative among 191 panchayats in Goa, meeting the required criteria for this status. The health services said that the initiative requires the collection of at least 30 samples per 1,000 population. Further, the number of TB patients should be zero or one per 1,000.
Rane said the health services had partnered with AstraZeneca India to enhance lung cancer detection through AI-based screening. With 1,400-1,500 new cancer cases annually, he said, early diagnosis has become a critical focus. “Powered by Qure.ai’s advanced AI technology, the initiative enables timely detection across district hospitals, improving survival rates,” the health minister posted on X.
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