Abu Dhabi –  Sept 9, 2024: The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate and Malaffi platform, a strategic initiative of DoH operated by M42’s Abu Dhabi Health Data Services (ADHDS), announced the completion of connecting all healthcare facilities in Abu Dhabi through the platform with the support of Philips’ Image Exchange Solution. This will enable clinicians in Abu Dhabi to securely access X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and ultrasound images performed in authorised facilities across the Emirate. This achievement reflects the Department’s continuous commitment to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of all community members through delivering high-quality services in line with international standards and best practices, further cementing Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading healthcare destination globally.

Secure access to radiology images is essential for clinicians to make better decisions to improve the delivery of high-quality, informed and effective patient care. It reduces the need to duplicate invasive radiology investigations, safeguarding patients from unnecessary radiation and reducing time and effort. Patients will no longer need to take hard-copy scans and CDs to each appointment.

Malaffi stands out as the first Health Information Exchange (HIE) in the MENA region and one of the few HIEs globally to include radiology images into the unified patient record, made possible through the integration of Philips’ Image Exchange Solution with Malaffi's in 2022.

H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) said: “The successful connection of all healthcare facilities with Malaffi's Image Exchange Solution is a significant accomplishment that underscores our commitment to continue investing and advancing the integrated healthcare digital infrastructure in Abu Dhabi, thus reinforcing its position as a leading healthcare destination globally. This achievement highlights the power of international collaboration in advancing the healthcare sector across the world. This partnership with Philips has played a crucial role in reaching this milestone, demonstrating our dedication to leveraging technology for the benefit of patients and healthcare professionals. We look forward to continuing our journey towards a digitally-enabled healthcare future empowered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology.”

“Connecting all healthcare facilities in Abu Dhabi to the Malaffi Image Exchange Solution marks a significant milestone in Malaffi’s journey as one of the most advanced HIEs globally, underscoring DOH’s commitment to embracing advanced technology to enhance patient care. By streamlining centralised access to medical images, we are paving the way for further advanced applications of AI in healthcare, reinforces Malaffi's position as a catalyst for transformative change in the industry,” said Kareem Shahin, CEO of M42’s Abu Dhabi Health Data Services (Malaffi).

Earlier this year, Philips officially recognised Malaffi as a global reference site for Philips' Image Exchange Solution. Commenting on the latest milestone, Dr. Samir Said, P.D, General Manager, Enterprise Informatics Philips Middle East, Türkiye and Africa (META), said:" We are immensely proud of our successful partnership with Malaffi and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. Today, we are achieving our shared goal to advancing healthcare through innovative technology solutions and enhancing patient care and outcomes. Philips Health Imaging Exchange ensures a reliable and standardized platform for exchanging imaging and clinical data and is a catalyst for healthcare interoperability. Together with Malaffi, we are setting a new standard for sharing medical images digitally and securely as well as streamlining the exchange of information. Reducing the duplication of scans reduces healthcare costs, saves patients from unnecessary radiation exposure, and ultimately enables more accurate decision-making. We’re on a mission to revolutionizing how medical information is shared, making healthcare better for everyone and setting the stage for more efficient work today and a sustainable future in healthcare."

This solution provides secure access to more than four million X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and ultrasound images across 67 healthcare facilities in Abu Dhabi. The majority of these facilities are hospitals, along with 21 medical centres and clinics as well as three mobile health units.

Dr. Shankar Ayyappan Kuttym, a consultant neurosurgeon at NMC Specialty Hospital who was recently recognised as a TOP1 user of the Malaffi Image Exchange Solution during 2023, spoke about the importance of utilising image exchange platforms for improved patient care and surgical decision-making.

Emphasising the necessity of having access to images over written reports alone, Dr. Shankar said: "As a practicing surgeon, I always prioritise accessing patients' radiology images through Malaffi. Having these images securely available not only saves patients from unnecessary trips to the performing hospital but also allows me to provide immediate and accurate opinions, ultimately benefiting patient outcomes."

Dr. Shankar's advocacy for image exchange aligns with modern healthcare trends aiming to streamline data accessibility and enhance collaboration among healthcare providers. By leveraging technology to securely access vital imaging data, medical professionals can expedite diagnosis, treatment planning and ultimately improve patient care.

HIE platforms profoundly impact healthcare delivery and play an essential role in facilitating better care coordination.

Malaffi is a pioneer of progress, exemplifying how digital health solutions can profoundly impact healthcare delivery when built with the clinical user in mind. With its continued evolution and integration into the healthcare ecosystem, Malaffi is committed to transforming and further elevating the standard of care in Abu Dhabi.