Punjab to introduce AI-powered scanner for early detection of multiple diseases

LAHORE  –  Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has given in-principle approval for introducing an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered multi-disease scanner in the province to make medical screening and diagnosis faster and more effective. The chief minister was briefed about the technology during a meeting with senior executives of Chinese technology company Alibaba. According to the briefing, the AI-powered Multi-Disease Screening Solution using Non-Contrast CT can potentially detect up to 10 diseases within two minutes. The technology is designed to support disease screening, diagnosis, treatment and management, with particular emphasis on the early detection of five potentially fatal cancers.

The system can assist in diagnosing pancreatic and liver cancers and screening for gastric, pancreatic, oesophageal, colorectal and liver cancers. It can also screen for Acute Aortic Syndrome and assess risks associated with cardiovascular diseases. The AI-based system can additionally evaluate fat and muscle health and assist in the assessment of osteoporosis, potentially supporting the diagnosis and management of bone weakness. It can also help detect fatty liver disease.

The technology is intended to complement, rather than replace, conventional diagnostic methods, providing doctors with an additional tool for faster and more comprehensive assessment of patients. Maryam expressed keen interest in the technology and received a detailed briefing on its capabilities during the meeting. She directed the provincial health authorities to prepare a pilot project for introducing the system in Punjab, following her in-principle approval for its implementation.

Meanwhile, a team of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Murree Agha Zaheer Abbas Sherazi, visited various ongoing development projects in Murree and reviewed the progress and quality of construction work. During the visit, the team inspected the ongoing schemes and reviewed the pace of work, construction standards and other related arrangements. Concerned officials briefed the visiting team on the progress and various aspects of the projects. Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Murree Agha Zaheer Abbas Sherazi said the visit by the Chief Minister’s team was a welcome step that would help further improve the pace and quality of development work in the district. He said development projects were being executed at a fast pace in Murree in line with the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. All available resources were being utilised to ensure the timely completion of the projects, he added.