Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), the largest healthcare network in the UAE, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the world’s first graduate-level, research-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) university, to integrate the use of AI into the provision of medical care, enhancing clinical expertise and elevating the patient experience.
SEHA’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Gareth Goodier, and the President of MBZUAI, Professor Dr. Eric Xing, executed the signature of the MoU between both parties. With the objective of facilitating collaborative research projects, the MoU establishes a platform for SEHA’s clinicians and MBZUAI faculty to explore and introduce AI-driven solutions that solve prominent healthcare challenges and uplift the provision of patient-led services.
In addition to the MoU, SEHA and MBZUAI have also joined forces on several research agreements and projects. One of the key focus areas both parties will explore is the development of AI-driven solutions to rapidly quantify COVID-19 infection by measuring an infection score on different lung lobes. This will allow an accurate induction on the severity of the infection and equip physicians with the appropriate tools to identify patients who are at increased risk of developing further complications.
The teams will also investigate the long-term impact of the COVID-19 virus on the UAE’s residents, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions such as heart, liver, or kidney diseases. This research will facilitate the development of federated learning AI solutions to ensure data privacy when accessing anonymized patient records.
Dr. Gareth Goodier, Group Chief Executive Officer, SEHA, said: “The integration of technology in the administrative and medical elements of healthcare is paving the way for a stronger healthcare ecosystem, introducing opportunities for streamlined processes, transformative research, elevated patient experience, and ultimately, a more cost-effective industry.”
“The potential for AI in healthcare is vast, and by partnering with MBZUAI, we are committed to exploring its limitless possibilities in medical research, early detection and diagnosis, decision making, and treatment, as we strive towards fostering the foundations of a robust healthcare sector that meets the UAE’s community’s every need with world class, unparalleled expertise,” continued Dr. Goodier.
The collaboration between SEHA and MBZUAI, two leading organizations in their respective fields, will also introduce joined efforts in the examination of diagnosis and treatment methods for acute kidney injury, coronary artery disease, fetal health, and AI driven point of care ultrasound for breast cancer, lung infection and kidney cysts.
Professor Dr. Eric Xing, President of MBZUAI, said: “AI is one of the most transformative tools available to us today. It has already driven innovation and breakthroughs within the medical field and has recently played a significant role in the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19, as well as in the development of vaccines. By working alongside SEHA’s clinicians and leveraging their world class expertise, MBZUAI intends to use its technology and talent resources to explore the full potential of AI’s role in the evolution of healthcare throughout the UAE, contributing towards a healthier, more sustainable future for the country and its people.”
Dr. Mohammad Yaqub, an Assistant Professor in MBZUAI’s Computer Vision department, will lead the collaboration on behalf of the University. He said: “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, AI has contributed towards the development of innovative solutions that are reshaping the relationship between healthcare and technology. Combining the medical, research, and technological expertise of MBZUAI and SEHA will enable us to enhance healthcare in the UAE.”
The purpose of this bi-lateral collaboration is to contribute to Abu Dhabi’s rapid transformation of the healthcare and technology sectors, exploring the infinite opportunities the synergy of both elements can bring to patient care and the patient journey. As the champion of the UAE’s healthcare agenda and with its rich legacy of delivering world class care rooted in deep understanding of the local culture, SEHA is committed to harnessing the power of technology and innovation to deliver a truly robust, integrated healthcare system with patients at its core.
About SEHA:
The Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC–SEHA – is an independent, public joint stock company created to develop the curative activities of the public healthcare system in Abu Dhabi. The company owns and operates all the public hospitals and clinics of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
SEHA is part of ADQ, one of the region’s largest holding companies with a broad portfolio of major enterprises spanning key sectors of Abu Dhabi’s diversified economy.
SEHA is committed to continuous improvement of customer care to recognized international standards and providing the community with world-class healthcare. SEHA operates 13 hospitals with 3,385 beds, 70 ambulatory care, family care and urgent care centers and 2 blood banks. Its facilities accommodate 117,162 inpatients annually and conduct 43,262 surgeries, as well as treating more than five million outpatients. SEHA is one of the largest integrated healthcare providers in the Middle East with more than 18,000 doctors, nurses, ancillary care, and administrative personnel. Learn more at www.seha.ae
About Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI):
MBZUAI is the world’s first graduate-level, research-based artificial intelligence (AI) university. Launched in October 2019 and located in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, the University aims to empower students, businesses and governments to advance artificial intelligence as a global force for positive progress. For more information, please visit www.mbzuai.ac.ae
© Press Release 2021
Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.
The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.
