This paper highlights some of the Technical, Economical and Operational problems encountered in 1955 60 when the National Tuberculosis Programme was being evolved wherein considerable importance was laid on diagnosis of patients using mass miniature radiography. Technological imperfections seen were: 1) High breakdown rates of X-ray units 2) Though power supply was available, the quality of powerline was such that X-ray could not work satisfactorily in 75% of them. Moreover, running cost of X-ray unit when using petrol generator was very high. This can be reduced by connecting the unit to power supply. Reduced sensitivity and specificity of the X-ray is another operational deficiency. The number of suspects diagnosed was 7 times the actual number of cases and probably 60% of cases were being missed also.

In order to solve these problems, the suggestions given were 1) X-ray equipment capable of working from low capacity powerlines without loss in standard of performance is desirable. 2) Flouroscopic image intensifiers using solid state panels which are easy to operate and maintain can probably improve the reliability of flouroscopic examinations without increasing the radiation dose. 3) Electronic contrast enhancement of films are possible and this could improve the diagnostic reliability. Research is needed to improve contrast perceptibility without increase in radiation.