AI to detect TB at medical fitness centres in UAE

Abu Dhabi: The Emirates Health Services Corporation has begun implementing artificial intelligence (AI) solutions in medical examination centres for residency, visa and identity procedures. This initiative aims to enhance the detection of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) through general chest X-ray imaging.

By leveraging AI technology, the corporation enables the analysis of X-ray images in less than one minute, significantly reducing the time required for radiologists to approve final medical reports. This advancement has accelerated the diagnosis process, allowing for immediate treatment initiation, which in turn helps curb disease transmission and improve treatment outcomes.

This initiative aligns with the corporation’s ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare services across all its facilities. It is also part of its broader strategy to elevate the quality of diagnostic services and provide faster, more precise medical care.

Since the introduction of AI-based tuberculosis screening in 2021, the accuracy and efficiency of TB detection have improved significantly. The accuracy rate has risen from 80 to 98 per cent by 2024, underscoring the remarkable progress in AI-driven radiological analysis.

Dr. Abdullah Al Naqbi, Acting Executive Director of the Allied Health Services Sector at the Emirates Health Services Corporation, emphasised that integrating AI into residency medical screening centres marks a significant step toward improving diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. He highlighted that the technology has enhanced detection precision to 98 per cent, facilitating rapid intervention and ensuring the highest standards of healthcare delivery.

He further noted that digital innovation in healthcare is a cornerstone of sustainability, supporting the UAE’s vision for the future of this vital sector. Through such initiatives, the corporation aims to provide a seamless and patient-centered healthcare experience. These projects reflect the institution’s commitment to adopting proactive and sustainable solutions that elevate healthcare quality to global standards while strengthening the UAE’s position as a leader in digital health.

Medical fitness screening for residency visas remains a mandatory requirement for visa processing. This service enables expatriates to obtain a medical fitness certificate, confirming absence of infectious diseases such as pulmonary tuberculosis. The certificate is essential for obtaining or renewing a residency visa, which can be processed through designated medical screening centres and select public health facilities.