Bukedea district officials on Thursday received a new mobile digital X- ray Tuberculosis ( TB) screening machine to aid in the early detection and treatment of the disease . The Morden diagnostic equivalent estimated to be worth 300m was handed over to the District Health officials attended by political leaders and representative from the Ministry of Health .

The acquisition of the TB screening machine marks a milestone in the district's ongoing efforts to combat the spread of tuberculosis. The X-ray machine is capable of detecting Tuberculosis and is expected to improve the accuracy and timeliness of diagnosis

"This is a major breakthrough for Bukedea , Our health facilities have long relied on the traditional diagnostic methods that are often slow, With this new machine , we will be able to test and start treatment early, which is key in reducing the spread of Tuberculosis " said Dr. Odeke Emmanuel

The X-ray was procured through the support Ministry of Health National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Program with support from the United States Government.

Bukedea District LC5 Chairperson, Ms Mary Akol applauded the Ministry of Health for recognising the district's needs and continued support to the health sector development

"We thank the government and it's partners for the timely intervention . As district leaders, we remain committed to improving access to quality health care for the people " Ms. Akol said

Health workers have already been trained on maintenance and operation of the machine and screening is set to start immediately at Bukedea Health Centre IV. The district plans to extend services to lower level health centre through sample referrals and outreach campaigns.

With the arrival of the TB screening machine , Bukedea is among 48 districts that are benefiting from the government efforts to strengthen diagnostic capacity across Uganda

The installation of the machine comes as part of the broader health intervention program aiming to eliminate TB in Uganda .