Luzon hospitals receive AI for faster TB detection

Public hospitals and health centers in Luzon, Philippines, will soon receive AI software to help detect tuberculosis (TB). This initiative comes from a partnership between Siemens Healthineers Philippines and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP). The software will be implemented in 28 facilities across the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, and CALABARZON. These regions account for over 60 percent of TB cases in the country. According to PBSP, the Philippines is the fourth highest in global TB cases, with around 739,000 affected individuals. The new AI tools aim to improve the screening process for local health workers, potentially allowing for about 126,000 screenings each month. The AI software analyzes chest X-rays to provide quick results. This speed is crucial for diagnosing TB and starting treatment early. Siemens Healthineers' Tisha Boatman highlighted that timely diagnosis is essential for patient care and preventing the spread of the disease. Untreated TB can be easily transmitted to others, with one person able to infect up to 15 people in a year. Currently, it takes hospitals several days to get chest X-ray results due to limited staff. The AI technology can streamline this process, allowing for immediate action if a TB diagnosis is likely. This project, called Access TB, aims to improve TB care and is supported by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.