The portable X-ray device is part of India's efforts to strengthen its national TB screening program, especially targeting vulnerable populations for undiagnosed cases.

These portable devices operate like standard hospital X-ray machines but are optimized for portability and remote use, supporting broader screening campaigns.

Weighing between 1.8 kg and 2.8 kg, each device includes a digital X-ray beam generator, a flat digital panel detector, a tripod, and a laptop with built-in AI for analysis, capable of conducting up to 100 scans on a single charge.

A nationwide TB screening campaign launched in December 2022 tested nearly 13 crore people, identifying over 7 lakh TB cases, including many asymptomatic, to help control the disease.

The ICMR has developed an open dataset of X-rays to support companies in creating AI tools for TB detection, enhancing understanding of the disease's prevalence.

This AI-enabled X-ray machine analyzes chest scans quickly to detect white patches in the lungs, a sign of TB, allowing for case identification within minutes.

These validated devices produce high-quality X-ray images, facilitating accurate detection of TB and aiding in the country's screening initiatives.

India had an estimated 28 lakh TB cases in 2023, with 25.2 lakh diagnosed, reflecting progress in narrowing the gap between estimated and confirmed cases.

The cost of these devices has significantly decreased from Rs 40-45 lakh to about one-third due to domestic manufacturing, making them more affordable for health initiatives.

Currently, 473 of these AI-enabled X-ray devices are in use across India, with plans to procure an additional 1,500 to expand TB diagnosis efforts.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has validated three AI-enabled X-ray devices—LabIndia's Mine2, Mylab's MyBeam, and Prognosys's Prorad Atlas—ensuring high-quality imaging comparable to traditional machines.

The hand-held X-ray machines are lightweight, battery-operated, and designed for use in remote areas with limited healthcare resources, making community health efforts more accessible.

India has introduced an AI-powered portable X-ray kit at the Villianur Health and Wellness Centre in Puducherry to facilitate early detection of tuberculosis, enabling rapid screening and diagnosis.