The Emirates Health Services Corporation has introduced artificial intelligence (AI) technology in medical fitness centres across the UAE to enhance the detection of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) through chest X-ray analysis.
According to a Gulf News report, this AI-driven system can assess X-ray images in under a minute, drastically reducing the time required for radiologists to finalize medical reports. The faster detection process allows for immediate treatment, helping to prevent the spread of TB and improve patient outcomes.
Since the introduction of AI-based screening in 2021, TB detection accuracy has surged from 80% to 98% by 2024. Dr. Abdullah Al Naqbi, Acting Executive Director of the Allied Health Services Sector, emphasized that integrating AI into medical screenings represents a major step toward improving diagnostic efficiency and healthcare delivery.
The initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader push for digital innovation in healthcare, ensuring high-quality and sustainable medical services. Medical fitness screening remains mandatory for residency visa applicants, confirming the absence of infectious diseases like TB before visa issuance or renewal.
