Residents in remote, mountain, and outlying areas
Indigenous tribes and vulnerable populations
Social welfare and care institution residents
High-risk TB populations
The Ministry of Health and Welfare Chest Hospital (hereinafter referred to as "the Hospital") is a long-standing tuberculosis (TB) prevention and control hospital in Taiwan, as well as the pioneer of mobile X-ray screening tours in the region. In late 2015, the Hospital established an online information system for its mobile X-ray trucks. These mobile units operate in remote and underprivileged areas, utilizing 4G networks and encrypted VPN tunnels. Once radiological technologists perform X-rays on-site, the images are instantly transmitted back to the hospital for real-time online evaluation by chest or diagnostic radiology specialists. If any abnormalities are detected, sputum samples are collected immediately on-site for molecular TB testing. While the traditional TB diagnosis process takes 24 days (including scheduling, examination, reporting, evaluation, follow-up visits, and laboratory testing), the Hospital’s innovative workflow drastically shortens this timeframe to 1–3 days, significantly accelerating clinical decision-making for pulmonary tuberculosis.
From 2020-2025, 25,229 images were read and 2,649 Real-time Readings and 336 Real-time sputum collection due to abnormal images.
ISO 9001:2015 certified.
awarded SNQ certifications 2018-2023.
MOHW Image Reading Center Excellence Awards 2020-2025.
4G network + VPN encrypted instant image transmission
Chest/radiology specialists for online reading
Immediate sputum collection for abnormal images.
Molecular TB testing accelerates diagnosis
ISO 9001:2015 standardized operations
Diagnosis process: 24 days → 1-3 days
In rural and disadvantaged areas, from 2020 to 2025, X-ray screening and interpretation reached 25,229 person-times, with 2,649 person-times receiving real-time interpretation, and 336 person-times with abnormal images undergoing immediate sputum collection.
Disaster Zone Inspection: 23 missions conducted nationwide, serving 1,102 participants.
Academic Output: 21 research papers published in peer-reviewed journals between 2021 and 2025.
Real-time sputum collection rate: 100%
Process shortened from 24 to 1-3 days
National TB rate: 72.5→26.2 per 100,000 (62% drop)
Continuous decline in Taichung Heping District new cases
Early detection through immediate reading
Daily equipment maintenance
Monthly image quality review
Quarterly medical quality assessment
Annual X-ray Machine Radiation Safety Test Report
Annual radiation protection courses
Annual mobile X-ray quality conference
The overall average satisfaction score in the partner organization satisfaction survey was 4.69 points (on a 5-point scale, the satisfaction rate reached 93.8%).
International collaboration (US, JP, Mongolia, VN)
Aligns with WHO 2035 End TB Strategy Phase II
Blocks TB transmission, reduces incidence
Early detection for rural/vulnerable groups
Strengthens Taiwan's TB prevention system
62% reduction in national TB incidence
Safeguards health of high-risk populations
