A readiness mark for the future is granted to innovative projects that contribute to enhancing the state’s preparedness for the future. The project “Diagnostic Imaging with Artificial Intelligence” developed by the Emirates Healthcare Foundation has received this mark in recognition of its efforts to enhance the readiness of proactive care in the healthcare sector through advanced technology applications.
The project “Early Detection of Breast Cancer using Artificial Intelligence” has been implemented using future technology applications to detect early cases of breast cancer in nine hospitals and healthcare centers affiliated with the foundation. This program has led to the discovery of over 150 cases of cancer within one year, with 80% of them in early stages. The diagnostic accuracy has increased by 96% and the diagnostic time has been reduced by 11 days, representing an 89% reduction compared to previous diagnostic times.
The project also relies on advanced technology applications for proactive diagnosis of pulmonary diseases in more than 35 specialized medical centers, leading to a 20% improvement in result accuracy, increased productivity and efficiency, and a reduction of over 11,000 additional tests. Additionally, the project is working on developing a new method for early detection of stroke within 2-3 minutes with an accuracy rate of up to 90% using artificial intelligence.
H.E. Ohoud bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, congratulated the team of the Emirates Healthcare Foundation on receiving the mark of readiness for the future for the project “Diagnostic Imaging with Artificial Intelligence.” This mark appreciates qualitative and impactful projects that rely on proactive concepts to enhance preparedness for changes and demonstrate clear and tangible results that enhance the readiness of the UAE for the future and its ability to seize opportunities.
H.E. Ohoud Al Roumi emphasized that the use of artificial intelligence in disease diagnosis through implementing future technology in preventive healthcare is a significant advancement in detecting diseases in early stages and improving the quality of health life in the UAE. She noted that this project reflects the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in building a future-ready healthcare system that puts humans at its core.
Dr. Mohamed Salim Al Olama, Chairman of the Board of the Emirates Healthcare Foundation, affirmed that this achievement is a result of the efforts of the foundation and its dedication to developing healthcare services in the country. He pointed out that the healthcare industry is undergoing a significant transformation thanks to the evolution of artificial intelligence technology, which has become a key driver of innovation and progress in healthcare.
He claimed that investing in these developed algorithms will represent a qualitative leap in improving diagnostic accuracy, reducing medical errors, saving time and costs, thus contributing to achieving a positive impact that affects people’s lives.
Dr. Youssef Mohamed Al Sarkal, CEO of the Emirates Healthcare Foundation, highlighted that the use of artificial intelligence in analyzing medical data can contribute to faster disease diagnosis and better identification of effective treatment plans. Dr. Al Sarkal enthusiastically follows the ambitious approach adopted by the foundation in developing innovative technological solutions to improve patient experience and health life quality, positively contributing to the healthcare developmental process and aligning with the goals of the UAE Vision 2031 and UAE Centennial 2071.
In 2020, the Emirates Healthcare Foundation launched a project to use artificial intelligence applications in breast cancer detection at a national level. The use of this technology resulted in the discovery of over 150 cases of breast cancer in 2023, most of which were in early stages, increasing healing chances and reducing treatment time. This advanced technology was adopted by 9 healthcare centers affiliated with the foundation, where artificial intelligence analyzes diagnostic images in just one minute, reducing the time needed to reach a final diagnosis by 89%, increasing diagnostic and analytical accuracy by 96%.
In 2021, the Emirates Health Services Foundation began utilizing artificial intelligence technology for early detection of pulmonary diseases. This technology is now available in 35 medical examination centers affiliated with the foundation, where infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and pulmonary tuberculosis are detected within one minute through processing diagnostic images using artificial intelligence. AI has contributed to improving accuracy and quality by 20%, reducing the need for repeated tests, increasing productivity and efficiency, and avoiding over 11,000 additional examinations in 2023.
AI applications have contributed to the detection of over 1000 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis, and necessary preventive measures have been taken to protect the community.
In 2023, the Emirates Health Services Foundation launched a new initiative utilizing artificial intelligence applications for early detection of strokes. This approach is being implemented at Al Qasimi Hospital during the current trial phase.
The diagnosis takes about 2-3 minutes with an accuracy of around 90%, showcasing the advanced capabilities of AI-enhanced tests in early stroke detection.
The Emirates Health Services Foundation plans to expand the “Precise Diagnostic Imaging with Artificial Intelligence” project to detect diseases like heart and liver diseases in 2024 and 2025. By expanding the project scope, the foundation aims to enhance early detection programs, strengthen proactive therapeutic interventions to improve the quality of life and increase recovery opportunities for the community.
The Future Readiness Label is provided for local and federal government projects by the Government Development and Future Office based on six key criteria, set around focusing on people and leveraging emerging trends to make a positive impact on society. Considering the added value of the project to the national economy and Emirati society, creating a positive impact in people’s lives, committing to sustainable practices, deeming it proactive and innovative to enhance future readiness. Striving to achieve flexibility and adaptability to future changes, and deliver measurable results. Finally, contributing to enhancing digital readiness through adopting and developing advanced future technologies.
