The issue featured prominently at the 28th Joint Annual National Conference of the National College of Chest Physicians, India (NCCP-I), and the Indian Chest Society (ICS), held in Jaipur from October 22 to 25. The conference brought together more than 2,000 pulmonologists, respiratory physicians, researchers and healthcare professionals from India and abroad.
Speaking at the event, former AIIMS Director Dr. Randeep Guleria said AI has the potential to reshape the identification and management of respiratory diseases. He highlighted how AI-powered tools can detect suspicious abnormalities in chest X-rays and CT scans, helping doctors make faster, more informed decisions about further investigations and treatment.
“Artificial intelligence has the potential to change how we approach the early detection of respiratory diseases. By helping identify suspicious findings on chest X-rays and CT scans, AI can support doctors in making faster, more informed decisions and directing patients towards timely investigations," Guleria stated.
"For a country like India, where the burden of TB and lung cancer is substantial, this technology could make a meaningful difference when combined with clinical expertise,” he noted.
Experts at the conference highlighted the role of AI-driven software in analysing chest X-rays and identifying patterns associated with tuberculosis. Such tools can help healthcare workers prioritise patients who require additional testing, potentially improving the efficiency of screening programmes.
The technology could be particularly useful in underserved regions, primary healthcare centres and mobile screening programmes, where access to specialist radiologists may be limited.
Dr. Raj Kumar, Director of the Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute in Delhi, said AI-assisted chest X-ray screening can significantly improve the reach and efficiency of TB detection programmes.
Discussions at the conference also examined the expanding role of AI in lung cancer diagnosis. Experts said advanced algorithms can assist clinicians in reviewing CT scans and identifying suspicious findings, supporting the diagnostic process.
The discussions highlighted the potential of AI-assisted screening to strengthen respiratory healthcare in India, particularly in the detection of tuberculosis and lung cancer. Experts emphasised that combining these technologies with clinical expertise could help doctors identify patients requiring further evaluation and improve the reach of screening efforts, especially in areas with limited access to specialist services.
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