The Central TB Division of the Health Ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence to explore the application of cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence technology in its fight against TB. The MoU was signed by Shri Vikas Sheel, Joint Secretary (HFW), and Dr. P Anandan, CEO ( Wadhwani AI).
As part of the collaboration, Wadhwani AI would be supporting the National TB programme to become AI-ready which would include, developing, piloting, and deploying AI-based solutions. It would support the programme in vulnerability and hot-spot mapping, modeling novel methods of screening and diagnostics, and enabling decision support for caregivers apart from supporting the RNTCP in the adoption of other AI technologies.
The Revised National TB Control Programme has been at the forefront of the adoption of newer technologies in healthcare. Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides a unique opportunity for the health sector, bringing efficiency, saving resources and bringing accuracy in interpretation, and enhancing the quality of service delivery. Its use in this sector has ample scope to improve outcomes, especially in situations where resources are limited. India is committed to ending TB by 2025, five years ahead of the Global Sustainable Development targets.
Source: Press Release
Release ID: 1583584
PIB Delhi
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Date: August 30, 2019