Institute of Heart & Lung Diseases partners with Krafton India for active TB cases detection

New Delhi: The Institute of Heart and Lung Diseases (IHLD), in collaboration with Krafton India, has embarked on a noble venture, aligning with the ambitious objectives of the Prime Minister TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

This collaboration signifies a crucial stride in the fight against TB, utilizing the collective resources of Krafton India and IHLD for implementation. During its initial phase the initiative is to conduct active case finding programs in one district of Uttarakhand (UK) and one district of Uttar Pradesh (UP).

Speaking about the initiative, Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO of Krafton India, emphasized the severity of tuberculosis as a global health concern, with India being among the countries affected. “With approximately 3.2 lakh lives lost to this disease in 2023 alone, India’s commitment to eradicate TB by 2025 stands as a beacon of hope. Krafton India aims to play an instrumental role in achieving this ambitious target, aligning with national and global health objectives.”

Dr Rahul Chandola, Founder-Chairman of the Institute of Heart Lung Diseases (IHLD) Research Centre, expressed IHLD’s unwavering dedication to contributing to the National TB Elimination Program. “Through this partnership, IHLD endeavours to screen approximately 1 lakh individuals over the next 12 months. Moreover, the aim is to increase TB detection by 10-15% in the target districts that are currently not accounted for in the existing system, significantly bolstering efforts towards disease surveillance and management.”

Innovative approaches are integral to the success of TB Mukt Bharat. Dr Chandola highlighted the utilization of AI-supported X-ray machines for initial screening, enabling swift and accurate identification of potential TB cases, thereby enabling a huge chunk of the population infected with tuberculosis to be identified. This technological intervention not only streamlines the screening process but also enhances the effectiveness of early detection, a crucial aspect in combating the spread of tuberculosis.

Beyond the immediate objectives of our initiative lies a broader vision of fostering healthier communities and contributing to the larger goal of TB elimination in India. By leveraging the combined resources, expertise, and commitment of Krafton India and IHLD, the initiative aims to serve as a catalyst for sustainable change in the healthcare landscape of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh (UP).

The success of the initiative hinges not only on the implementation of active case finding programs but also on fostering collaboration, raising awareness, and ensuring access to quality healthcare services. Through concerted efforts and collective engagement, the intent is to create a future where tuberculosis no longer poses a threat to the health and well-being of communities, ultimately contributing to the realization of a TB-free India.