Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar announced expanded strategic partnerships with global technology leaders like Philips and General Electric to localize medical imaging equipment manufacturing and transfer advanced diagnostic technology. This came during the opening of the fourth International Radiology Conference, where he emphasized integrating artificial intelligence into the health system. The ministry signed a memorandum of understanding with the UK's Royal College of Radiologists for specialized training programs.
In a move to bolster local health capabilities, Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar announced on Thursday strategic partnerships with leading global companies such as Philips and General Electric. These partnerships aim to localize the production of medical imaging equipment and transfer advanced diagnostic technology, as part of efforts to build a sustainable health system supporting universal health coverage.
During the opening of the fourth International Radiology Conference, held from December 17 to 19, Abdel Ghaffar stressed the priority of developing diagnostic services. He stated: “Artificial intelligence is a supporter of radiologists, not a replacement for them,” noting that it enhances diagnostic accuracy. He advocated for expanding teleradiology and digital platforms to improve data exchange across the national health network.
The minister toured an international exhibition featuring 30 local and international companies, reviewing progress on domestic manufacturing plans and supply chain development. Mohamed Fawzy, the minister's advisor on radiology, confirmed the establishment of a local factory for radiology equipment to reduce imports and ensure long-term sustainability.
The Ministry of Health signed a memorandum of understanding with the Royal College of Radiologists in the United Kingdom to develop specialized training programs and set accreditation standards aligned with international benchmarks for continuous medical education. Tarek El-Diasty, President of the Egyptian Society of Radiology, called for joint efforts with the ministry to draft legislation protecting the specialty and praised the conference as a global platform for exchanging expertise and advancing Egyptian doctors' capabilities.
Abdel Ghaffar concluded that investing in knowledge and localizing technology is the primary path to positioning Egypt as a regional center of excellence in radiology and medical diagnosis. The conference focuses on integrating scientific research with clinical practice.