Egypt is in the process of implementing digital pathology technology to help diagnose various cancers, it has been revealed.

According to the Arabic daily, Al Masry Al Youm, Ahmed ElSobky – Chairman of the country’s General Authority of Healthcare (GAH) – stated that the technology will be used in order to “enhance the accuracy of tumour diagnosis and detection.”

The GAH will be the first entity in the country to use the technology, he added.

WHY IT MATTERS

There are multiple advantages to utilising digital pathology compared to microscopy alone. These include improved analysis, better views – such as live zoomed and multiple angle views – and error reduction. It also enhances productivity, by improving turnaround times and improving workflow.

THE LARGER CONTEXT

Various media reports indicate that the GAH is keen on digitally transforming many of the authority’s health services. During the recent Arab Health 2021 exhibition held in Dubai, ElSobky reportedly spoke with a number of UAE and other global medical companies to learn more about developments in artificial intelligence, health management systems, telemedicine, and medical imaging.

ElSobky is also said to have held a meeting with the newly appointed Group CEO of Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), Tarek Fathey, to discuss plans that can contribute to improving or enhancing the digitisation of medical institutions.

ON THE RECORD

“We seek to benefit from the latest international medical services and technology, with the intent to apply them across the facilities of the GAH,” ElSobky said. “This is in accordance with the directives of the political leadership to provide integrated healthcare with the highest quality standards for Egyptians, implementing the latest internationally approved guidelines, practices and treatment protocols. It’s also in line with the objectives of Egypt Vision 2030, based on the principles of comprehensive sustainable development.”