Position: Radiographer – Tuberculosis
Location: Solapur, Maharashtra
Overview:
The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization committed to our mission of saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low-and middle-income countries. We work at the invitation of governments to support them and the private sector to create and sustain high-quality health systems.
CHAI was founded in 2002 in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic with the goal of dramatically reducing the price of life-saving drugs and increasing access to these medicines in the countries with the highest burden of the disease. Over the following two decades, CHAI has expanded its focus. Today, along with HIV, we work in conjunction with our partners to prevent and treat infectious diseases such as COVID-19, malaria, tuberculosis, and hepatitis. Our work has also expanded into cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and other non-communicable diseases, and we work to accelerate the rollout of lifesaving vaccines, reduce maternal and child mortality, combat chronic malnutrition, and increase access to assistive technology. We are investing in horizontal approaches to strengthen health systems through programs in human resources for health, digital health, and health financing. With each new and innovative program, our strategy is grounded in maximizing sustainable impact at scale, ensuring that governments lead the solutions, that programs are designed to scale nationally, and learnings are shared globally.
At CHAI, our people are our greatest asset, and none of this work would be possible without their talent, time, dedication and passion for our mission and values. We are a highly diverse team of enthusiastic individuals across 40 countries with a broad range of skillsets and life experiences. CHAI is deeply grounded in the countries we work in, with majority of our staff based in program countries.
WJCF is an Indian not-for-profit entity, registered under Section 8 of the Indian Companies Act 2013, and has an affiliation agreement with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI). Our mission is to save lives and improve health outcomes in the country by enabling the government and private sector to strengthen and sustain quality health systems. WJCF has partnered with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and state health departments since 2007, providing technical and operational support across key health priorities, including infectious diseases (COVID-19, hepatitis, HIV, TB, vector-borne diseases), non-communicable diseases (cervical cancer, diabetes, sickle cell disease), maternal and child health (anaemia, immunisation, diarrhoea, pneumonia), sexual and reproductive health, health insurance and digital health (AB PM-JAY, ABDM), oxygen and hypoxemia management, safe drinking water, and climate and health.
Program Overview:
The World Health Organization estimated that 10.7 million people fell ill with tuberculosis (TB) in 2024 and 1.23 million died from it. India accounted for the highest proportion of TB burden of any country, with 25% of the global cases, and 25% of death caused by TB. The National TB Elimination Program (NTEP), headed by the Central TB Division (CTD), MoHFW, is an expansive public health program with the ambitious goal of ending TB in line with the mandate of the Sustainable Development Goals.
WJCF has been supporting the CTD and state health departments of more than 15 states in the mission to end TB. WJCF’s TB program has been operational since 2012, and its interventions address several program areas, including preventive therapies, case detection, access to diagnostics, engagement of the private sector, and more. It also lends technical support to Governments across a range of themes- strategic planning, data analytics, monitoring and evaluation, patient management and delivery of services.
Project Background:
The Central TB Division (CTD) has an ambitious TB Elimination goal and is scaling up case finding and adoption of molecular testing for all presumptive TB cases. WJCF aims to support CTD’s efforts by augmenting their efforts in active case finding, designing optimal strategies for case finding efforts, and assessing the use of technology and novel diagnostic products in India’s public and private health delivery systems.
Open PCR for TB detection potentially enables redeployment and optimal utilization of the RT PCR infrastructure developed during COVID -19 pandemic. Recently, RT- PCR kits, which can be used for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) in sputum, using Real – Time PCR system, have been validated by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), licensed by Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and recommended for programmatic use by the National Technical Expert Group (NTEG).
The current project aims to evaluate performance of RT-PCR test kits for TB testing through open PCR equipment, in real-world field settings. Further, the project aims to identify operational challenges and gather feedback from laboratory staff and clinicians to assess any added value of open RT-PCR kits in complementing existing co-located NAAT platforms.
The key objective of the exercise to demonstrate utility of open RT-PCR kits for TB detection among asymptomatic TB in patients presenting with an abnormal Chest X-Ray (CXR).
Position Summary:
WJCF India is looking for highly motivated Radiographers to operate state-of-the-art ultraportable handheld X-ray machines fitted with computer-assisted diagnostics (CAD) software and Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS). These devices are AI-enabled. The project will be screening the vulnerable population using these X-ray machines in community camps as part of Active Case Finding (ACF) efforts. The ideal candidate is expected to be well-versed with X-ray equipment operability and should possess excellent demonstrated patient handling ability. They should be able to function independently, be self-motivated, thrive in challenging environments, be willing to travel, and have a strong commitment to excellence. The Radiographers will report to both the District TB Officer of the district and WJCF program management.
Responsibilities
- Handling of the ultraportable X-ray machine unit. The unit, including generator, detector, CAD software, lead aprons, frames, etc., will be transported in a compact bag to and from camp locations to its stationing facility. Maintenance, transportation, and safekeeping of the unit will be the responsibility of the radiographer.
- Handling queries from patients and offering pre-procedure guidance.
- Using radiographic equipment, including surgical and portable equipment, to do X-rays,, and labelling them appropriately.
- Collecting and reporting the results of X-rays to the camp supervisors managing the patients, and updating the same in reporting data systems.
- Monitoring the radiographic equipment and supplies, and ensuring there are sufficient supplies by submitting purchase requests proactively.
- Maintaining the stock register for the camp.
- Ensuring the maintenance of X-ray machines and other related equipment. Coordinating with relevant stakeholders for AMC and any corrective/ preventive maintenance required.
- Documenting, recording, and storage of patient data in the data tool provided. Training will be provided by WJCF on the data entry process.
- Performing end of day tasks and reporting.
- Holding all patient Protected Health Information (PHI), other patients’ personal information and agency information in confidence, in accordance with the Employee Confidentiality Statement[AD1] .
- Coordinating and cooperating with other staff in daily routine and to assist in health camps, as and when required.
- Observing the schedule for work, lunch, and breaks.
- Any other jobs assigned as per program need.
Qualifications
- Diploma/Degree in Medical Radiology & Imaging Technology from the Government recognised institute with at least 18 months of experience in a similar capacity.
- Candidates with higher qualifications (for example, Graduates and above) shall be preferred.
- Experience in working in MDU or public health camp settings would be an added advantage.
- Good documentation skills.
- Enthusiasm for community engagement.
- Proficiency in the use of computers and the relevant software packages.
- Outstanding thinking and reasoning skills.
- Ability to work independently but also as a part of a healthcare team.
- Sensitivity and understanding towards patients during procedures.
- Excellent attention to detail and the ability to perform well under pressure.
- Physical strength to assist with the lifting or moving of patients to ensure their positioning is correct for the specific procedure.
- Should be willing to travel extensively for project purposes within and outside the respective district.
- Languages: Excellent written and spoken command of English and regional languages (Hindi, Bhojpuri).
Good to have:
- It will be helpful if the candidate already has a TLD badge. Please mention this during the application and first interview so that the TLD badge can be applied for and procured accordingly, if required.
- Some working knowledge of ultraportable handheld X-ray machines and CAD software will be a bonus.
Note: This will be on 3rd party payroll
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