Healthcare

In a major step towards enhancing healthcare services and diagnostic accuracy, Emirates Health Services (EHS) has announced the successful integration of advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in Medical Examination Centers for Residency to detect pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) through chest imaging exams. This strategic initiative is part of EHS's ongoing commitment to improving healthcare standards and accelerating the detection and treatment of infectious diseases in the UAE.

The incorporation of AI-powered diagnostic systems has significantly transformed tuberculosis detection, raising diagnostic accuracy rates from 80% in 2021 to an impressive 98% by the end of 2024. This remarkable improvement in diagnostic precision is expected to enhance early intervention, reduce the spread of infectious diseases, and streamline healthcare delivery.

AI-Powered Diagnostic Efficiency

The use of AI technology in medical imaging has dramatically reduced the time taken to analyze chest X-rays, allowing radiologists to deliver accurate medical reports within one minute. This substantial reduction in diagnostic turnaround time enables healthcare providers to initiate treatment swiftly, thereby limiting the spread of tuberculosis and improving patient outcomes.

His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Al-Naqbi, Acting Executive Director of the Supportive Health Services Sector at EHS, emphasized the transformative impact of AI in healthcare diagnostics.

“The incorporation of AI technologies in our Medical Examination Centers for Residency is a critical step towards improving diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. With an accuracy rate of 98%, we can now detect pulmonary tuberculosis faster and with greater precision, allowing us to provide timely and effective treatment.”

He further added that EHS remains committed to digital innovation in healthcare, aligning with the UAE’s vision of achieving sustainable and world-class healthcare services. The adoption of AI technology is a clear reflection of EHS’s mission to provide proactive, efficient, and community-centered healthcare services.

Strengthening the UAE's Global Position in Healthcare Innovation

The deployment of AI-driven diagnostics in the Medical Examination Centers reinforces the UAE's commitment to becoming a global leader in digital health transformation. This initiative also supports the sustainable development goals (SDGs) by minimizing the spread of infectious diseases, strengthening community health, and ensuring quick access to treatment.

EHS's ongoing investment in digital innovation is expected to significantly improve health outcomes, reduce diagnostic errors, and enhance the overall quality of healthcare services in the UAE. Additionally, the Group continues to explore advanced AI capabilities in diagnosing other respiratory conditions and aims to expand AI technology across various healthcare facilities.

Faster Diagnosis and Improved Healthcare Outcomes

The AI-based diagnostic solution enables the automatic detection of pulmonary tuberculosis in under a minute, reducing the burden on radiologists and allowing them to finalize reports more efficiently. This technology also facilitates:

• Rapid identification of infectious diseases.
• Faster initiation of treatment to reduce disease transmission.
• Improved patient outcomes through early intervention.

Moreover, this initiative will enable Emirates Health Services to strengthen its proactive approach to public health management, minimizing the spread of communicable diseases and promoting high-quality healthcare services.

Driving Healthcare Sustainability Through AI Integration

In line with the UAE’s National Health Strategy, Emirates Health Services aims to transform healthcare infrastructure by integrating cutting-edge AI technologies. The implementation of AI-powered diagnostics supports the Group’s broader sustainability goals, which aim to:

• Enhance early disease detection.
• Minimize the spread of infectious diseases like tuberculosis.
• Reduce the workload on healthcare professionals.
• Provide faster and more accurate medical diagnoses.

Dr. Al-Naqbi further highlighted that EHS’s adoption of AI technologies would contribute significantly to achieving the UAE’s healthcare sustainability goals, ensuring that the nation continues to lead in healthcare innovation.

Conclusion

The integration of AI-powered diagnostic technology in Medical Examination Centers for Residency represents a groundbreaking achievement in enhancing tuberculosis detection in the UAE. This initiative further strengthens the UAE’s position as a global leader in healthcare innovation, ensuring faster diagnosis, timely treatment, and improved patient outcomes.

As part of its long-term strategic vision, Emirates Health Services will continue to leverage advanced AI technologies to boost healthcare efficiency, reduce diagnostic errors, and improve public health standards across the UAE.

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