As part of its efforts to promote awareness of the valuable contribution of radiology in providing safe patient care, Emirates Health Services (EHS) celebrated World Radiography Day on November 8th, under the theme of "Radiologists and Radiographers Supporting Patients." The event aimed to enhance understanding of the vital role played by Radiology and Radiography specialists in the healthcare continuum and highlight their essential role in supporting patients.
EHS organizes the event in line with its commitment to highlighting the importance of specialists in the field of radiology by ensuring accurate diagnosis and imaging for patients. This contributes to the early detection of diseases and facilitates treatment in a more efficient, effective, and timely manner, resulting in a positive impact on improving individuals' quality of life.
H.E. Dr. Abdalla Alnaqbi, Acting Executive Director of Clinical Support Services Sector at Emirates Health Services, emphasized that EHS is a leading healthcare hub in the region. It provides world-class healthcare facilities and services, while continuously enhancing and modernizing its various radiology and medical imaging departments. Additionally, advanced training and qualification programs are conducted for the technical staff, ensuring the delivery of exceptional and reliable services across its healthcare facilities located throughout the UAE.
Dr. Amina AlJasmi, Director of the Radiology Department at EHS, emphasized EHS’ recognition of the vital importance of radiology and its significant role in supporting all medical departments and specialties. This is achieved through the development of professional practices and the formation of a comprehensive image of medical cases, which enhances treatment-related decisions for the medical staff. One of these practices includes the application and utilization of artificial intelligence algorithms in diagnosis.
AlJasmi noted that EHS is the first healthcare entity in the UAE to implement artificial intelligence technology in diagnosis, specifically in the installation and operation of AI systems and algorithms for diagnosing lung examinations in all EHS’ public health centers. This technology is considered one of the most accurate techniques that assist in medical diagnosis, particularly in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis through chest X-ray examinations within a few minutes. She explained that this technology plays a role in improving treatment plans for patients and protecting the community from diseases, especially given the high demand for services related to medical fitness examinations for residency visas, medical fitness examinations for new employees, and medical fitness examinations for university enrollment.
AlJasmi further added that several artificial intelligence software programs were showcased during the exhibition, including AI software for diagnosing brain clots and fracture detection. These new technologies enable early risk prediction and diagnosis of complex medical problems. The implementation of such software can enhance patient care, aligning with this year's event theme. Emirates Health Services continues to prioritize patient well-being and focuses its sustainable efforts on ensuring accurate diagnosis and imaging, facilitating more efficient and effective treatment.
The event also featured an accompanying exhibition showcasing the latest advanced technological systems in the field of radiology, with the participation of several specialized companies. The event included honoring outstanding employees in the radiology department and EHS, as well as recognizing strategic partners. Additionally, an informative lecture was delivered as part of the awareness program.