A team of entrepreneurs are connecting radiologists with patients in Egypt and Kenya and using artificial intelligence to help in delivering a fast, accurate diagnosis.
Around four billion people, mainly in low- and middle-income countries in the Global South lack access to basic medical imaging technology, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), owing to a shortage of radiologists, equipment and access.
Amr Abodraiaa, CEO and co-founder of Rology, says that to address the problem of limited access to quality diagnostic imaging in Kenya and Egypt, where health systems are strained due to systemic inequities and weak governance, the company found a technological solution.
“I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by radiology departments in delivering timely and accurate diagnoses,” he says, adding that the AI-assisted teleradiology platform is “connecting health facilities in Kenya and Egypt with a global network of radiologists.”
“Medical images, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, are securely uploaded to the cloud, where they are processed by AI algorithms to identify potential anomalies and therefore, assist in diagnosis,” Abodraiaa says, “Our aim was to create a solution that would address the inefficiencies and gaps in radiological services, particularly in underserved areas.”
Abodraiaa explains that a significant challenge was the development of a system that seamlessly integrates with existing hospital infrastructure, allowing for hospitals to set-up with just a PC and an internet connection.
“Our work at Rology is critical because it directly impacts healthcare delivery by making radiological services more accessible, efficient, and accurate,” he says, “This is particularly important in parts of the world where there is a dire need for such services due to a shortage of specialized medical professionals.”
BY: Andrew Wight
