Mumbai : Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health challenge in India, claiming an estimated 1.5 million lives annually. However, an event at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), ‘Sangam’ encouraged the discussion on revolution in medical imaging by new age technologies and how it improves access with the potential to transform TB detection efforts. 

The event ‘Sangam 2024,’ brought government, healthcare specialists, innovators, and industry together to explore the spectrum of technology and healthcare. One of the key highlights was the discussion on the REMEX KA-6, a revolutionary handheld X-ray device specifically designed for rapid and accurate diagnoses.

Ms. Rena Lee, founder and technical advisor to REMEDI Inc., a leading research-based radiology imaging company based in South Korea, addressed the event and shared her vision for collaboration with Remedi Healthcare India, led by CEO Mr. Naresh Hasija. Their combined efforts aim to create broader access to advanced medical imaging technologies like the REMEX KA-6, which is exemplified by the showcase at IIT Bombay. It opens exciting avenues for remote and point-of-care healthcare delivery, particularly for populations in rural areas and those with limited access to traditional healthcare facilities.

While addressing at Sangam, Ms. Rena Lee, stated, “India is at a pivotal juncture in the fight against TB.  According to a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO), India carries the highest burden of TB globally, accounting for 27% of all estimated cases in 2022. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical for successful treatment and preventing transmission, but traditional methods often face limitations.”

IIT Bombay, a renowned hub for cutting-edge research and development, witnessed a significant milestone in the healthcare realm during the Sangam event. The discussion on REMEX KA-6, an innovative and revolutionary technology in diagnosis and treatment, has marked a turning point in medical imaging.

Mr. Naresh Hasija, CEO of Remedi Healthcare India, echoed Ms. Lee’s sentiments, highlighting the potential of these new age technologies to revolutionize TB detection efforts in India.  “The innovation showcased at IIT Bombay represents a significant leap forward in the fight against TB. These technologies can potentially revolutionize TB detection, particularly in remote areas with limited access to specialists. Moreover, these systems with rapid image capture, and superior image quality can continuously learn and improve their accuracy over time, further enhancing their effectiveness.”

The discussions at Sangam regarding the medical imaging revolution spearheaded by IIT Bombay signify a paradigm shift in healthcare delivery. This shift emphasizes India’s commitment to leveraging technology for societal impact on TB eradication and active case finding. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for successful TB treatment and preventing transmission. These new-age systems offer immense promise in this regard, as they can analyse medical images with exceptional accuracy, even in the absence of readily available specialists.

This revolution in medical imaging heralds a new era in healthcare delivery, where diagnostics are no longer bound by the confines of traditional imaging centre. Hence, the device has the potential to revolutionize healthcare access, especially in remote and rural communities. This technology can facilitate on-site screening, expediting diagnosis and treatment initiation. Furthermore, telemedicine platforms can connect patients in underserved locations with specialists for remote consultations.