AI-based system introduced for detection of TB cases in Kashmir

‘Sound bank with over 20,000 sounds created to help recognise TB cases’

Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar, Nov 20 (KNO): Authorities in Kashmir have initiated Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems to detect potential tuberculosis cases to enhance surveillance and work towards making the division TB-free.

An official of the State Tuberculosis Office told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that an artificial intelligence system has been started in districts that have been already tuberculosis-free to keep more surveillance and fully eradicate the disease.

While AI algorithms can efficiently identify potential tuberculosis cases, the official recommended a comprehensive clinical examination and follow-up tests. He said the integration of AI reduces the number of patients requiring extensive tests, making resource allocation more efficient and cost-effective.

“This combined approach significantly reduces costs while enhancing the detection of TB cases. By screening patients in the community and detecting TB early, better outcomes are achieved, and shorter treatment courses become possible,” the health official said, adding that early detection is crucial in limiting the spread of this highly contagious disease.

The official added that the introduction of AI in tuberculosis diagnosis offers hope in the global fight against the disease, particularly in remote areas with limited diagnostic facilities.

He said though TB cases are on the decline in Kashmir, the disease continues to remain a significant global threat. “But with the power of AI, we are hopeful of eradicating this global menace at the earliest,” he said.

The AI system, already operational in tuberculosis-free districts, is set to expand across the entire Kashmir region, he said, adding that training has been provided to staff, and a mobile app has been developed to enable people to record their cough sounds.

“Through this app, a person will be informed whether he/she needs to go for further screening or not as a cough bank with around 20,000 cough sounds (under national study) has been recorded to identify sounds resembling with potential case of TB,” he said.

Dr Adfar Qadri, the State Tuberculosis Officer, told KNO that J&K has become a trendsetter in healthcare as two more districts – Anantnag and Pulwama – have been declared TB-free after Srinagar and Budgam.

Srinagar received a gold medal for its efforts, contributing to the region’s success in combating tuberculosis, Dr Adfar said, adding, “We will achieve TB elimination by 2025 as we are doing intensified and active case finding and case screening.”

Dr Qadri said tuberculosis is declining in Kashmir. “We will achieve TB elimination by 2025 as we are doing intensified and active case finding and case screening. Several measures have been taken over the years to develop infrastructure and employ manpower for the early detection and effective treatment of the disease.”—(KNO)

Authorities to announce winter vacation for primary schools shortly

Riyaz Bhat

Srinagar, Nov 20 (KNO): Amid cold weather conditions, the authorities are mulling to announce winter vacation for primary schools in the Kashmir Valley shortly, officials said here on Monday.

A top official of School Education Department informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the department will announce its decision shortly.

lWe are considering early winter vacation for primary schools in view of cold weather conditions,” he said.

The official said that they will announce the vacation shortly—(KNO)

Amid infra woes, school children shiver as cold wave grips Kashmir

Concerns have been raised regarding the potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to low temperatures within school premises.

Srinagar, Nov 19: The abrupt onset of cold weather in Kashmir has made existing school problems worse as children are experiencing discomfort due to inadequate infrastructure in schools amid the prevailing cold period.

Over the past few days, the temperature at various places across Kashmir has plummeted below normal, leaving school children grappling with the bitter cold.
Despite the challenging conditions, the government has yet to announce any plans for winter vacations for school children particularly the lower classes, raising concern among the parents and other stakeholders alike.

As the mercury continues to dip, schools are facing a pressing issue with insufficient heating facilities, leaving classrooms and common areas unpleasantly cold.

Complaints are pouring in from all districts that school children are shivering in their classrooms, with students of more than one class crammed in one classroom due to the dearth of the adequate infrastructure in schools.

Parents are expressing growing frustration with the lack of action from authorities, emphasising the adverse impact on their children’s well-being and ability to focus on studies.

“The Director School Education Kashmir recently made a statement that they need to complete 220 academic days of the session. But it seems that he is not aware of the ground situation. The students are shivering in schools,” said Iqbal Ahmad Najar, a parent from Baramulla whose kids are enrolled in a government school.
“During the enrollment drive, the department claimed to provide best facilities to children in schools but the real situation is contrary to those claims. Our children are suffering,” he said. (GK)