Accelerating TB Elimination: Gujarat Government intensifies efforts of TB Mukt Gujarat with Public-Private Partnership

27 September 2024 — In a significant move to advance India’s mission to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) and promote lung health, FUJIFILM India through it’s implementation partner Apollo Telemedicine Networking Foundation (ATNF) have been working with the Government of Gujarat for the World Lung Day Conference 2024, Held on the 25th of September, 2024 at The Leela, Gandhinagar. The conference is a key initiative under the India Fights TB campaign, reflecting the state and country’s commitment to elimination of TB by 2025, five years ahead of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target of 2030.

Tuberculosis continues to pose a major health challenge in India, causing approximately 3.31 lakhs deaths in 2022. With over 40% of the population estimated to be carrying TB bacteria, although only 10% will develop the active disease, the government’s National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme aims to comprehensively address this threat. This conference represents a crucial moment in the ongoing efforts to boost newer methodologies, faster diagnostics, and awareness in the fight against TB, with a specific focus on enhancing the accessibility of innovative medical solutions to remote regions.

The TB Conference brought together distinguished figures from the healthcare sector and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Gujarat, Chaired by Shri Rushikesh Patel, Honourable Health Minister of Gujarat and officials from the State Health Department. The conference also witnessed Mr. Koji Wada, Managing Director of FUJIFILM India, alongside representatives from the Stop TB Partnership and prominent healthcare professionals, including leading TB specialists. A key highlight of the Conference was a demonstration of Fujifilm’s FDR X- Air mobile X-ray device, in the unique Mobile TB screening and Diagnostic Vans that are currently operational across districts like Banaskantha, Valsad, and Kutch and have screened over 24,609 people till now which has lead to the diagnosis of over 350 cases of TB.

Expressing his views on this collaborative initiative, Shri Rushikesh Patel, Honourable Health Minister of Gujarat remarked, “It would have been a pleasure to have attended the World Lung Day Event organized today in Gandhinagar. As you are all aware, TB is one of the major concern areas that the Honorable PM as well as the Honorable CM of Gujarat have devoted a lot of attention to. We believe strongly that to fulfil the Hon PM’s vision, it is vital for a Viksit Bharat to be a TB Mukt Bharat. Health and particularly Lung Health are the need of hour for everyone of us here. The Government of Gujarat is committed to eliminating TB and enhancing the public Healthcare system to build a healthy society. We are very happy that private sector organizations have been working with the government through PPP and CSR initiatives such as these to ensure that we all reach the target of being TB free in the near future. I congratulate all of you and wish you a Happy Lung Day once again. Together, we can build a TB Mukt India”.

On the project & technology front, Koji Wada, Managing Director of FUJIFILM India, the company’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility through innovation. He said, “We at FUJIFILM India have created value from innovation by bringing diverse ideas, unique capabilities, and extraordinary people – who achieve their aspirations and give smiles to the world- together. This is at the heart of the Fujifilm Group’s Purpose – Giving our world more smiles. Based on our purpose, this Corporate Social Responsibility activity of FUJIFILM India was aimed at helping the person at the last mile along with a potent showcase of the healthcare technology of our Ultra-Portable X-Ray device, the “FDR X-Air”. We will continue to support the people of Gujarat in their fight against TB.

This conference also highlighted the increasing role of telemedicine in extending healthcare to remote areas. Dr. Ayesha Nazneen, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Apollo Telemedicine Networking Foundation, emphasized the importance of this technology in TB care, stating, “Telemedicine has proven to be a game changer in providing real-time medical consultation and diagnosis to patients in even the most inaccessible regions. Our partnership with FUJIFILM India in Gujarat underscores how digital innovation and mobile healthcare solutions are helping us meet India’s TB elimination goals. By leveraging telehealth platforms, we can ensure timely intervention, improve patient outcomes, and significantly reduce the burden of TB, especially in rural and underserved areas. This approach not only facilitates early detection but also ensures continuous monitoring and follow-up care, which are crucial to managing a disease like tuberculosis.”

The World Lung Day 2024 conference underscored the importance of a multi-sectoral approach in tackling tuberculosis, highlighting how innovation, policy, and collaboration can together push the country closer to achieving its TB elimination target. As part of the Conference’s agenda, attendees experienced first-hand the mobile TB screening unit, which demonstrates the critical role of diagnostic advancements in TB management.