The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General recently announced a major breakthrough in tuberculosis (TB) screening: a new handheld X-ray device developed in India. This innovation, revealed during the 19th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities (ICDRA) in India, is expected to improve TB detection and treatment.
According to the statement Dr. Bahl explained that while handheld X-rays are currently available at high costs, collaboration between IIT Kanpur and ICMR has led to the development of a more affordable, indigenously made device. “This new handheld X-ray will cost less than half of the imported versions, enabling us to screen patients closer to their homes, particularly in vulnerable communities,” Dr. Bahl said.
He also highlighted other significant medical developments and shared that India has created three testing kits for Mpox, now being manufactured by three companies. He also discussed progress in combating sickle cell disease, which affects over a million people in the country. Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission, aiming to eliminate the disease as a public health issue by 2047.
ICMR has developed 18 affordable testing kits for sickle cell anemia, each costing just ₹30, a significant reduction from the earlier price of ₹400 per test. Dr. Bahl emphasized that ICMR is continuously working on this issue and recently held discussions with doctors and scientists across India.
Regarding dengue, a disease that has claimed many lives in the country, Dr. Bahl mentioned that India is nearing the development of a vaccine. Phase three clinical trials are underway, and if the data proves the vaccine is both safe and effective, India could soon have its own dengue vaccine. Dr. Bahl expects results within a year.
Rashmi Kumari
