Health Ministry’s AI lung screening finds 22 cancer cases from 3,482 X-rays, enabling faster detection and early treatment for patients.
KUALA SELANGOR: Artificial intelligence technology in lung health screening has proven effective with 22 cancer cases detected within two months.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the programme implemented in July aimed to identify diseases early among smokers and industrial workers.
A total of 3,482 X-ray examinations have been conducted on at-risk respondents aged 18 and above.
These examinations resulted in 3,778 findings of concern including 229 cases of lung growths.
Twenty-two of those cases were confirmed as lung cancer through the screening process.
The use of AI has enabled faster and more accurate detection according to the minister.
This technological advancement increases patients’ chances of receiving early treatment significantly.
Dr Dzulkefly spoke to reporters after officiating the Ramah Mesra Santuni MADANI Programme at Pantai Jeram.
He emphasized AI technology’s important role in enhancing public health diagnostic capabilities.
The technology detects early disease signs more efficiently compared to conventional methods.
The Health Ministry is also using rapid molecular testing technology currently.
This technology produces test results in less than two hours compared to 48 hours previously.
The technology-based approach allows more targeted screenings for vulnerable groups like heavy smokers.
Dr Dzulkefly said the government remains committed to strengthening enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024.
This enforcement aims to curb the sale and use of smoking products including electronic cigarettes.
Lung health issues have now been raised at the international level according to the minister.
He presented the World Lung Initiative agenda at the World Health Assembly in Geneva several months ago.
The initiative has received support from the World Health Organisation to enhance global awareness of lung care.
Seven health clinics nationwide are involved in the lung health screening programme implementation.
These clinics are KK Seberang Perai, KK Kok Lanas, KK Beserah, KK Luyang, KK Kajang, KK Batu 9 and KK Pendang.
Each clinic is supported by a nearby referral hospital for comprehensive patient care. – Bernama
