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Bangkok, 28 March 2024 — FUJIFILM (Thailand) Ltd. has announced that the FDR Xair System, a portable X-ray system equipped with AI capabilities, has been selected for a proactive tuberculosis screening campaign within the Dusit Model Community. This initiative aligns with the intensified efforts of the Division of Tuberculosis, under the Department of Disease Control, in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), to advance the "YES! We Can End TB" initiative. Under this collaboration, this system, acquired through the Global Fund, will be utilized in a proactive tuberculosis screening campaign within the Dusit Model Community. The collaborative effort is driven by a shared mission to raise awareness among the Thai population regarding the alarming rates of tuberculosis infections in Thailand. They stress the importance of proactive screening as the cornerstone of the nation's endeavor to end tuberculosis.
Dr. Phalin Kamolwat, Physician – Advisory Level, Advisor and former Director of the Division of TB, explains the latest tuberculosis situation in Thailand, “Thailand currently faces a significant challenge with tuberculosis, with 155 patients per 100,000 people and an estimated 111,000 new cases annually. The death toll, ranging from 12,000 to 14,000 individuals each year, equates to over 40 lives lost daily—a distressingly high figure. Despite Thailand's commitment to ending tuberculosis by aiming to reduce cases to fewer than 10 per 100,000 people by 2035, the current situation remains deeply concerning. A key obstacle lies in raising awareness about the disease. Tuberculosis can remain latent rom 2 weeks to 5-10 years, often exhibiting no symptoms. Thus, utilizing X-ray technology to detect lung abnormalities is essential in identifying and treating patients, serving as a cornerstone in the battle against tuberculosis. Deploying portable X-ray systems in high-risk areas significantly enhances screening efficiency. Recently, the Tuberculosis Division received vital support from the Global Fund in the fight against tuberculosis. This support enabled the acquisition of 16 portable X-ray units, distributed to various hospitals, including the Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, for tuberculosis screening purposes. During community screenings, any lung abnormalities detected prompt immediate sputum testing to confirm infection. Patients identified can then undergo a treatment regimen, typically lasting 6-8 months with daily medication, leading to potential cure. Making screening a national priority will enable the identification and treatment of more patients, bringing Thailand closer to its goal of ending tuberculosis.”
Dr. Pipu Tavornshevin, Pulmonary Medicine and Pulmonary Critical Care, Department of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradriraj University discusses the origins of the Dusit Model and proactive tuberculosis screening in Bangkok, saying, “The Dusit Model serves as a pioneering urban health initiative, seamlessly linking public health service centers within the community directly with Vajira Hospital, a tertiary care center. Encompassing four districts of Bangkok — Dusit, Phra Nakhon, Bang Sue, and Bang Phlat—the Dusit Model community project collaborates with seven public health centers and four community clinics, catering to approximately 180,000 residents. TB persists as a silent threat in Thai society, often remaining undetected due to many patients being asymptomatic. Despite this, they can unknowingly transmit the infection to others, particularly in Bangkok's densely populated areas, heightening the risk of outbreaks. Recognizing the inadequacy of solely waiting for patients to seek hospital care, we initiated a proactive tuberculosis screening project within the Dusit Model community (TB V Find). This initiative, supported by the Division of Tuberculosis and BMA, utilizes Fujifilm’s portable X-ray systems integrated with AI technology, extending essential screening services to community members without the need for hospital visits. Upon confirmation of infection, a comprehensive referral system ensures tuberculosis patients receive necessary treatment until full recovery, thereby fostering a tuberculosis-free community environment. Our vision extends to accelerating the screening project's reach to encompass all areas, while establishing an efficient system for screening, referral, and treatment of tuberculosis patients. By embracing innovative medical solutions to enhance screening capabilities, we aim to expedite the end of tuberculosis in Thailand.”
Ms. Nattinee Isarankura, Communicable Disease Control Division, Health Department, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), “At BMA, we're actively engaged in a continuous initiative to deploy portable X-ray systems to conduct tuberculosis screenings in high-risk areas, including factories and local communities. When a person suspected of having tuberculosis is identified, we schedule a phlegm screening appointment. If diagnosed with tuberculosis, both Thai patients and migrant workers can receive free treatment at any public health service center. Moreover, Bangkok hosts 19 TB clinics staffed with proficient doctors and nurses trained in tuberculosis management. Present-day X-ray systems boast compact designs and advanced technology, eliminating the need for large mobile X-ray buses to conduct screenings in high-density communities inaccessible to large vehicles. By integrating these portable X-ray systems into widespread use, we anticipate a significant enhancement in the effectiveness of proactive community screenings.”
Dr. Teerachat Chaitavatpong, Medical Doctor, Practitioner Level at Public Health Center 3 Bang Sue, says, “Bang Sue District records approximately 50 tuberculosis cases annually, with approximately 150 individuals at risk of infection, including close contacts and those with latent tuberculosis. Given the district's densely populated communities, these numbers are likely to escalate each year. The crux of the matter lies in identifying patients, necessitating the establishment of screening facilities within the community. It's imperative to recognize that accessing health centers or hospitals entails expenses that some individuals may not be able to afford. Therefore, to ensure prompt treatment for as many patients as possible, collaborative efforts are crucial in proactively screening for infections. This approach stands as the most effective strategy towards ending tuberculosis.”
Mr. So Maruo, Managing Director, FUJIFILM (Thailand) Ltd., says, “Fujifilm recognizes the pressing need to end the spread of tuberculosis and has collaborated closely with various public health agencies in Thailand and other countries in the world. We've introduced the ultra-portable X-ray system equipped with AI capabilities, the "FDR Xair System," which medical teams can easily carry for community screenings. With results available in just 1 minute, this system provides accuracy comparable to large X-ray systems found in hospitals. Not only do we provide the systems, but we also offer ongoing support for installation, training, and TB screening operation for early detection. Aligned with our new Group Purpose of "Giving our world more smiles", we are committed to addressing social and health challenges, striving to improve global health outcomes. Through our cutting-edge innovations, we remain dedicated to enhancing quality of life and bringing smiles to people worldwide.”
“In addition to proactive screening, it's vital to emphasize the importance of raising awareness about tuberculosis. Firstly, it's crucial to note that tuberculosis treatment is provided free of charge in Thailand. Patients will be prescribed medication for an average of 6 months. If treatment is initiated for 2 weeks, most patients will enter a safe period during which the infection is no longer transmissible to others, enabling them to resume normal activities. Furthermore, recognizing the three key symptoms that may indicate TB—namely, a persistent cough lasting two weeks or more, unexplained weight loss, and nighttime fevers—is essential. Anyone experiencing one of these symptoms should promptly seek an X-ray screening to assess for infection. Those with a history of contact with TB patients within the past 3 months should undergo an X-ray examination every 6 months for 2 years. The most effective method of TB prevention is maintaining a healthy body, significantly reducing the likelihood of contracting the disease. While tuberculosis may persist in Thai society for some time, fostering a collective understanding that ending tuberculosis requires the support of everyone is paramount. By working together, we can accelerate progress towards our goal of ending tuberculosis,” concludes Dr. Pipu Tavornshevin.
