X-Ray Setu for COVID detection: Here's how to use app via WhatsApp

The government of India has launched an artificial intelligence based X-Ray Setu which can be used through WhatsApp. For this, the centre plans to onboard 10,000 doctors in small town where RT-PCR and CT Scans are not available. This is going to be an important tool for rural doctors who are doing everything they can to source equipment for covid detection.

The government has joined hands with non-profit organisation Artpark and Niramai for the same.

“XraySetu is the artificial intelligence-driven Chest Xray interpretation over Whatsapp for doctors. Designed with the close collaboration of AI researchers from ARTPARK, Niramai Health and the Indian Institute of Science over the last 10 months, Xraysetu is quick and simple for busy doctors to use. We believe that this could be the model for the future of Indian healthcare, accessible to everyone where everyone might be,” the website says.

CEO of Artwork Umakant Soni told PTI that the app has been made in cooperation with Niramai and IISC. The technology helps in diagnosing COVID-19 using X-ray processed with an AI system. No fee is being charged for this.

“We are planning to create a strong network of 10,000 doctors in the next 15 days who are trained in leveraging XraySetu so that when the third COVID wave comes, we are ready with solutions that can reach doctors in rural areas,” Soni said.

He also said that the technology has been operational for the past one week and approximately 500 doctors have made use of it.

Here's how the tests can be conducted using X-Ray Setu:

1) To use the technology, doctors need to go to www.xraysetu.com. The feature is currently available in the beta version

2) Once you are on the website, you will find a ‘Try the Free X-Ray Setu Beta’ button.

3) Once the button is clicked, you will be taken to the WhatsApp chat window of X-Ray setu.

4) You can then send the image of the X-Ray. The 2-page diagnostics will be sent back within a few minutes. The doctor can then advise the patients.

This tool is useful for doctors, radiologists in rural areas. Using XraySetu, a rural doctor can get an analysis of chest XRay within few minutes. The main highlight of the technology is that it can read low-resolution images.

Also Read: COVID-19: India's daily new cases decline by 1,790, over 1.32 lakhs fresh cases reported in last 24 hrs