Chennai | January 2026
In a significant boost to India’s fight against tuberculosis, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has donated six ultra-portable, hand-held X-ray machines equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI), valued at ₹96 lakh, to the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The donation supports the National TB Eradication Programme under the vision of “TB Mukt Bharat”, being implemented by state governments through the National Health Mission. The advanced medical equipment was formally handed over by N. Vikraman, Director (HR), BEL, to Dr Asha Frederick, Additional Director (TB) and State TB Officer, in the presence of K.V. Suresh Kumar, Director (Marketing), BEL, and V. Chandrassegaran, Officiating General Manager, BEL-Chennai.
\
The AI-enabled X-ray machines will be deployed in high-risk and aspirational districts such as Virudunagar, Ramanathapuram, Tiruvannamalai, Tenkasi and Sivagangai, enabling early detection and timely treatment of tuberculosis. With the ability to conduct around 80,000 to 1,00,000 X-rays annually, the equipment is expected to help identify and treat at least 5,000 TB patients each year, significantly strengthening frontline healthcare delivery.
BEL’s initiative highlights the growing role of defence PSUs in public health and social development, leveraging indigenous technology and innovation to support national healthcare priorities.