In October 2023, the Rology team had a reason to celebrate as their Teleradiology Platform received FDA 510(k) clearance. This innovative platform is connecting radiologists with patients in Egypt and Kenya, offering a fast and accurate diagnosis with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). This development is a significant step in addressing the limited access to medical imaging technology that exists in low- and middle-income countries, as highlighted by the World Health Organization.
Amr Abodraiaa, the CEO and co-founder of Rology, recognized the challenges faced by radiology departments in delivering timely and accurate diagnoses. To tackle this problem, Rology developed an AI-assisted teleradiology platform that connects health facilities in Kenya and Egypt with a global network of radiologists. The platform securely uploads medical images such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to the cloud, where AI algorithms process them to identify potential anomalies and assist in diagnosis.
The aim of Rology's platform is to address the inefficiencies and gaps in radiological services, particularly in underserved areas. One of the significant challenges they faced was integrating the system seamlessly with existing hospital infrastructure. They wanted hospitals to be able to set up the platform with just a PC and an internet connection.
Abodraiaa emphasizes the critical role Rology plays in healthcare delivery by making radiological services more accessible, efficient, and accurate. This is especially important in regions where there is a shortage of specialized medical professionals. Mahmoud Barakat, Associate CEO at Rology, highlights the dire situation in Kenya, where only 200 radiologists serve an astounding 3,020 hospitals. The impact of this shortage is reflected in higher maternal mortality rates, missed diagnoses, and delayed treatments.
The success of Rology's platform has garnered recognition, with the company being selected as a winner of the Health in Fragile Contexts Challenge/Global Challenges in the health pillar by MIT Solve in 2023. The inspiration for Abodraiaa's work in healthcare stems from his upbringing in Egypt, particularly witnessing the disparities between urban and rural areas. His passion for saving lives led him to the intersection of healthcare and technology, where he realized he could bridge the gaps in healthcare through health-tech solutions.
Abodraiaa believes that entrepreneurs and scientists from the Global South bring unique perspectives to global scientific discourse. They have firsthand experience of the challenges faced in their regions and can develop practical, culturally sensitive, and sustainable solutions. The Global South is a hub of innovation and resilience, and Abodraiaa is proud to contribute to the advancements in healthcare technology.
Another entrepreneur making strides in leveraging AI for healthcare in Africa is Tafadzwa Kalisto Munzwa, founder and CEO of Dawa Health based in Zambia. Dawa Health's project, DawaMom, utilizes AI tools, last-mile health workers, mobile clinics, and digital platforms to improve maternal and child health. By democratizing access to maternal healthcare, they aim to achieve universal health coverage in lower- and middle-income countries and reduce maternal mortality rates.
DawaMom focuses on developing research and datasets that specifically address postpartum hemorrhage and obstructed labor-cephalic-pelvic disproportion (CPD) using various maternal and fetal variables. The goal is to enable first-level clinicians, such as clinical officers, midwives, and medical licentiates, to identify high-risk pregnancies promptly and make appropriate referrals.
Efforts like those of Rology and Dawa Health demonstrate the potential of AI and technology to overcome healthcare challenges in underserved regions. By leveraging these innovative solutions, we can work towards achieving equitable access to quality healthcare and improving outcomes for communities in need.
