In a breakthrough for public health, India has developed an indigenous handheld X-ray device aimed at enhancing tuberculosis (TB) screening efforts. This innovation, led by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, is expected to significantly improve early detection and treatment of TB, a disease that remains a public health challenge in the country.
ICMR’s Landmark Development
Speaking at the 19th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities (ICDRA) INDIA-2024 on Wednesday, ICMR Director General Dr. Rajiv Bahl announced the development of the new device. He highlighted that handheld X-ray machines, previously available at high costs, are now being produced domestically at a fraction of the cost.
Dr. Bahl said, “The handheld X-ray machines, which were previously expensive, will now cost less than half of the imported devices, thanks to this collaboration. This innovation will enable easier TB screening, even in remote areas, bringing diagnosis closer to patients and vulnerable populations.”
In addition to the TB screening device, Dr. Bahl mentioned progress in other areas of public health, specifically the development of testing kits for Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox). “India has developed three testing kits for Mpox, and three companies are now manufacturing these kits,” Bahl added, reinforcing the nation’s focus on addressing emerging health challenges.
Progress in Sickle Cell Disease Diagnosis
India is home to over a million people affected by sickle cell disease, the second-largest burden in the world. Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, aiming to eliminate the disease as a public health issue by 2047.
In support of this mission, ICMR has made significant strides in diagnostic testing for sickle cell anemia. “We have now approved 18 low-cost tests for sickle cell anemia, each costing just ₹30, compared to the previous cost of ₹400 per test,” Dr. Bahl said. This marks a major breakthrough in reducing the cost of diagnostics and expanding access to care for affected populations.
Upcoming Dengue Vaccine
India has also made notable progress in developing a vaccine for dengue, a disease that claims many lives annually. Dr. Bahl shared that the country is in the final stages of clinical trials. “We are currently conducting phase three trials for the dengue vaccine, and we expect results on safety and efficacy within a year. If successful, India will have its own dengue vaccine soon,” he stated, offering hope for future dengue prevention.
These initiatives reflect India’s growing self-reliance in healthcare innovations, addressing critical public health challenges through indigenous development and collaboration.
