LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced plans to introduce an AI-powered multi-disease scanner in Punjab. According to Chief Minister of Punjab, this decision follows a briefing with senior executives from Alibaba, a notable Chinese company. The scanner, which uses Non-Contrast CT technology, is capable of detecting up to 10 diseases within two minutes.

The scanner aims to facilitate various aspects of healthcare, including disease screening, diagnosis, treatment, and management. It is designed to enable timely detection of five types of cancers, including pancreatic and liver cancers, and offers screening for gastric, pancreatic, esophageal, colorectal, and liver cancers. Additionally, it will assist in assessing Acute Aortic Syndrome and risks associated with cardiovascular diseases.

The system will also evaluate fat and muscle health and includes an Osteoporosis Assessment feature for diagnosing and managing bone weakness. Detection of fatty liver is another key function of the scanner. The technology is seen as a significant step towards enhancing the speed and effectiveness of medical diagnostics, complementing traditional methods.

During the meeting with Alibaba executives, Chief Minister Sharif showed interest in the scanner’s potential and received a comprehensive overview of its capabilities. She has given preliminary approval for the scanner’s introduction in Punjab and directed health authorities to develop a pilot project for its implementation.