EHA partners with BCG to integrate AI in healthcare

EGYPT – The Egypt Healthcare Authority (EHA) is set to transform the nation’s healthcare sector through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

This collaboration, announced by EHA Chairman Ahmed El-Sobky, aims to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) across multiple areas of Egypt’s healthcare system.

The announcement followed a meeting between EHA, BCG, and representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Discussions focused on leveraging AI to enhance health planning, telemedicine, radiology management, and early disease detection.

During the meeting, Dr. El-Sobky emphasized, “Artificial intelligence and digital solutions play a significant role in transforming healthcare services.”

EHA’s extensive digital ecosystem, comprising over six million electronic medical records and 500 million archived radiology images, provides an unparalleled foundation for AI integration.

This data-rich infrastructure enables the development of advanced AI applications aimed at improving healthcare delivery, boosting efficiency, and supporting critical decision-making processes.

The Universal Health Insurance system, a cornerstone of Egypt’s healthcare ambitions, is set to expand significantly by 2030, with plans to establish 6,000 family medicine units and 1,000 hospitals.

Dr. El-Sobky highlighted that AI-powered systems will play a crucial role in managing this expansion to ensure high standards of healthcare delivery.

One of the standout initiatives in this AI-driven strategy is the establishment of Egypt and Africa’s first AI Applications Center, scheduled to launch in Ismailia this year.

This center will be developed in three phases: engaging experts and programmers, building human capacity, and ultimately evolving into a Center of Excellence within five years.

This facility is envisioned as a hub for AI innovation, showcasing successful case studies and fostering the exchange of expertise in healthcare technology.

The EHA has already demonstrated AI’s potential through its energy-efficient building management systems at the Suez Medical Complex, which have reduced energy costs by 25%.

This achievement underscores the value of AI not only in clinical applications but also in optimizing healthcare operations and sustainability.

Dr. El-Sobky praised BCG’s role in identifying high-value projects aligned with the aspirations of Egypt’s healthcare system, particularly within the Universal Health Insurance framework.

He also acknowledged JICA’s significant contributions as a trusted partner in modernizing Egypt’s healthcare sector, highlighting Japan’s ongoing support in localizing global expertise.

For its part, the BCG delegation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Egypt’s healthcare transformation through innovative strategies and solutions that enhance sustainability and improve patient care.

JICA representatives also lauded the successful implementation of Japanese-supported initiatives in Egypt, emphasizing their positive impact on service quality and operational efficiency.