The Ministry of Health announced on March 30 that it is strengthening free tuberculosis (TB) screening and early detection in Lima Metropolitan Area by providing the public with portable, state-of-the-art digital X-ray equipment and artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
Screening services are available at five strategic health centers: Huáscar XV, Chacarilla de Otero, and Cruz de Motupe in San Juan de Lurigancho; Conde de la Vega in downtown Lima; and El Porvenir in La Victoria. These locations allow residents to access tests at no cost.
According to the ministry, these modern devices make it easier to screen for TB using chest X-rays assisted by computer detection. This approach improves early identification of abnormal health conditions on radiographs and speeds up timely diagnosis as part of the national strategy for active case finding and treatment promoted by the ministry.
Tuberculosis is a preventable and curable disease if detected early. Symptoms include cough with phlegm, persistent fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, fatigue or constant weakness. The ministry said that anyone who has had close contact with a person diagnosed with TB—whether at home, work, school or other settings—should visit a health facility for appropriate testing.
The ministry also recommends that even people without symptoms undergo this free screening to help break the chain of transmission and protect community health.
