The Kano State Government has deployed an Artificial Intelligence-powered portable digital X-ray machine at Filin Mushe Primary Healthcare Centre in Gwale Local Government Area to reinforce efforts against Tuberculosis (TB) and enhance healthcare services across the state.
The deployment, implemented in partnership with the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTP), is part of a wider intervention that has led to the distribution of more than 20 portable digital X-ray machines to selected primary healthcare centres in Kano aimed at improving early TB diagnosis and limiting its transmission.
The press statement was issued by Nabilusi Abubakar K/Na’isa, Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Ministry of Health, on Thursday, with a copy made available to journalists in Kano.
Speaking at the ceremony held at Filin Mushe PHC, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, explained that the AI-powered machine is among the latest innovations in modern medical technology developed to identify Tuberculosis at an early stage and curb community spread.
He added that Kano presently occupies the top position in Nigeria in TB case detection and prevention, attributing the milestone to the dedication of health personnel and the state government’s continued investment in the health sector.
“Kano State is ranked first in Nigeria in TB case detection and prevention due to the dedication and commitment of our healthcare workers.
The government will continue to provide the necessary support to ensure effective healthcare service delivery,” the commissioner said.
Dr. Yusuf further noted that the advanced diagnostic equipment is expensive and must be properly safeguarded, monitored, and maintained by both healthcare workers and members of the host community to guarantee its long-term efficiency.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Ward Development Committee (WDC) in Gwale, Malam Zahraddeen Umar, praised the state government for installing the modern diagnostic equipment at the Filin Mushe facility.
He pledged that the committee would assist in ensuring the machine is effectively utilized for the benefit of residents within Gwale Local Government Area.
“As a Ward Development Committee, we will do everything within our capacity to ensure the machine functions effectively and serves the people of Gwale Local Government as intended,” Umar said.
He also urged the state government to consider converting temporary staff currently serving at the facility into permanent and pensionable employees to ensure efficient operations at the centre.
Responding, the commissioner assured that the government would take steps to absorb the temporary staff into the state workforce to strengthen service delivery and sustain operations at the facility.
The installation of the AI-powered diagnostic machine is expected to further strengthen Kano State’s campaign to eradicate Tuberculosis as a public health concern while expanding access to quality primary healthcare services.
