Malang City Government Intensifies Tuberculosis Screening for Close Contacts Using Mobile X-Ray
The Malang City Government, through the Health Office (Dinkes), is intensifying the early detection of Tuberculosis (TB) by conducting mass screenings for individuals who have been in close contact with positive patients. This proactive step is being taken to break the chain of transmission and pursue the target of TB elimination by 2030.
The screening programme utilises Mobile X-Ray technology, which is travelling through 57 sub-districts in stages. Medical officers are performing free chest X-ray examinations with a target of 200 residents per day. The primary focus of the examinations is on residents living in the same household as Tuberculosis patients, individuals with diabetes mellitus (comorbidities), and children with malnutrition.
The Head of the Disease Prevention and Control Division of the Malang City Health Office, Meifta Eti Winindar, stated that these examinations aim to bring healthcare services closer to the community. “We are conducting early detection to accelerate the tracking process. If found early, medical treatment can be implemented immediately,” she said during the screening activity in Sukun Sub-district on Wednesday (3/6/2026).
As of the end of May 2026, the Malang City Health Office recorded 925 residents confirmed positive for Tuberculosis. From that number, 24 deaths have been reported.
In its implementation, the Malang City Health Office is collaborating with the Stop TB Partnership Indonesia (STPI) by applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. This technology allows X-ray results to be read automatically and accurately in a short period, enabling officers to immediately determine referral steps to the Community Health Centre (Puskesmas) on the same day.
The Malang City Government is urging the public not to be afraid to participate in the screening. Common symptoms such as a productive cough lasting more than two weeks, fever, and drastic weight loss should be checked immediately to prevent transmission to other family members.