Bridging Gaps in Radiology with AI
Access to quality diagnostic imaging in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Africa, has long been a significant challenge. However, a team of innovative entrepreneurs in Egypt and Kenya are harnessing the power of technology to fill this gap. Their solution, Rology, is an AI-assisted teleradiology platform designed to connect healthcare organizations to a global network of radiologists. Using AI algorithms, the platform processes medical images, identifying potential abnormalities and facilitating diagnosis.
The platform’s recent FDA 510(k) clearance, celebrated in October 2023, lends even more credibility to the potential of this tool. The AI-assisted teleradiology platform securely uploads medical images to the cloud. Here, they are processed by AI algorithms to identify potential anomalies and facilitate diagnosis. The ultimate goal is to make radiology services more accessible, efficient and accurate, especially in underserved areas.
Impact of the shortage of radiologists
The shortage of radiologists in Kenya and Egypt has had crucial consequences for public health. Mahmoud Barakat, Associate CEO of Rology, highlights the acute shortage of radiologists in Kenya, especially in rural areas. This scarcity has led to higher maternal mortality rates, missed diagnoses and delayed treatments. The situation is similar in Egypt, where disparities between urban and rural areas are pronounced. The shortage of radiology services has a significant impact, particularly on maternal health services. But with the help of the Rology platform, these areas can have better access to crucial diagnostic services.
Entrepreneurs and scientists from the South
Rology CEO Amr Abodraiaa has first-hand experience of the challenges radiology departments face in providing accurate and timely diagnoses. Born and raised in Egypt, Abodraiaa understands the disparities between urban and rural areas. It highlights the importance of entrepreneurs and scientists from the Global South in developing practical, culturally sensitive and sustainable solutions to healthcare challenges.
One such entrepreneur is Tafadzwa Kalisto Munzwa, founder and CEO of Dawa Health. Munzwa leverages AI tools, last mile health workers, mobile clinics and digital tools to improve maternal and child health in Africa. Her project, DawaMom, aims to democratize access to maternal healthcare in low- and middle-income countries.
Rology’s new companies
As the leading AI-assisted teleradiology platform in the Middle East and Africa, Rology is constantly innovating and developing. Recently, the platform announced new product launches and partnerships. Focused on providing solutions to radiologists and healthcare organizations, Rology leverages AI and cloud-based technologies. The platform seamlessly integrates with existing hospital systems, streamlining radiologists’ workflow, improving diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, and improving patient care.
Conclusion
Through the targeted use of AI and cloud-based technologies, Rology plays a pivotal role in bridging the radiology gap in low- and middle-income countries. The platform’s ability to connect healthcare institutions to a global network of radiologists has significant implications for public health. As more entrepreneurs like Amr Abodraiaa and Tafadzwa Kalisto Munzwa rise to the challenge, we can anticipate a future where access to quality healthcare is democratized for everyone, regardless of income or circumstances geographical.
