The Philippines is facing a significant tuberculosis (TB) epidemic, with over 600,000 cases recorded in 2023 alone. In response, the government has increased funding for TB control, and the adoption of modern solutions like artificial intelligence (AI) is being explored to support these efforts.
A recently launched portable AI-driven X-ray system, Advanced Abilities AI Smart Scan, shows promise in accelerating TB detection. This system can detect 32 pathologies and conditions, including TB, and can process up to 200 scans in 8 hours, significantly reducing turnaround times.
AI has already demonstrated its potential in aiding TB detection in the Philippines. In February 2024, a DOH-CAR mobile TB clinic equipped with AI technology began offering TB screening in the Cordillera region. The Department of Health also plans to adopt a shorter TB treatment scheme in late 2024, utilizing AI-assisted radiographs for early detection.
The AI Smart Scan system has also shown promising results in recent medical outreach programs. In Romblon, it was used to evaluate 503 patients, identifying 63 cases of TB.
Angelo Antonio “AA” Buendia, CEO of Advanced Abilities, the company behind the AI Smart Scan, expressed optimism about the role of AI in improving TB detection in the Philippines, stating, “We believe that this shift towards AI-assisted technology is the right direction for the local healthcare system to improve its performance and speed up TB detection.”
The AI Smart Scan has also seen successful implementation in other countries. In Chennai, India, its use has led to a 25-fold increase in TB case detection. In Singapore, the AI Smart Scan software, Augmento, has been adopted as the national radiology AI platform, with plans to integrate it into all 26 government hospitals.
Buendia emphasized the company’s commitment to further developing the technology and conducting more outreach programs to benefit more Filipinos. “The progressive advancement of technology is giving us more opportunities to find ways to keep up the fight against TB,” he said.
The integration of AI into the Philippine healthcare system could significantly enhance TB detection and treatment efforts, potentially reducing the burden of this widespread disease.
While challenges remain, the potential benefits of AI in public health are undeniable, and the Philippines is taking steps to harness this technology for the betterment of its population.
