The Fujifilm’s “Calneo Xair” is a portable, super compact x-ray system that has artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and allows users to take and check X-ray images easily in places with limited space, such as home and health care situations. It can also capture high-quality images.
Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo, who received the machine, stated that the new technology will bring a better approach and the needed innovation in the fight against tuberculosis as it can accommodate 100 patients a day and the result is available in less than a minute.
“Dito sa Pilipinas mas marami pang namamatay sa TB kaysa sa Covid-19. And this must be properly addressed. And we will start by implementing an initial intensified screening of TB cases in Cainta, Rizal through active case finding and with use of this portable machine.”
The Fujifilm's portable chest X-ray will first be deployed in the town of Cainta, Rizal as its pilot area and will then be rolled-out in various target areas with high incidence of TB cases in the region afterwards.
“With the Covid pandemic still in place, most of our kababayans are economically challenged to visit health facilities and seek proper healthcare. That is why we will be bringing health services directly to them,” he added.
In 2020, CALABARZON records a total of 47,025 TB cases with the province of Laguna having the highest case notification rate at 21,139 followed by Cavite with 17,569 cases; Batangas with 16,228; Rizal with 14,887 and Quezon with 7,759 cases. Treatment success rate for the whole region is at 94%.
“Health cannot wait, we don’t stop. We keep providing service. We keep on discovering and inventing. And we keep on innovating for the sake and benefit of our people. This new technology will help us to better understand tuberculosis and give us the leverage to fight it,” he emphasized.
Janairo extends his grateful appreciation to Fujifilms Philippines, Incorporated and USAID for their commitment and partnership in the fight against TB.
March 24 is yearly celebrated as “World TB Day” to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of tuberculosis and to step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic.
