Roche in partnership with Aga Khan university hospital has signed a contract aimed at enhancing health care access to high quality diagnostic for patients
Under this trendsetting contract, an integrated diagnostic instrument solution will be introduced, capable of testing for multiple communicable and non-communicable diseases simultaneously. The introduction of these diagnostic instruments promises to revolutionize healthcare by speeding up the delivery of test results to patients.
Rashid Khalani, the Chief Executive Officer of Aga Khan University Hospital, emphasized the transformative potential of this fully automated system. He highlighted how it will not only reduce testing times but also minimize human error, resulting in more accurate and timely patient diagnoses.
“Timely and accurate diagnosis enables appropriate and targeted treatments, ensuring good outcomes for our patients,” Khalani remarked.
He also pointed out the significant impact this automation process would have, expanding the capacity for diagnostics. Moreover, it will reduce the need to send tests outside the country, ultimately attracting medical tourism and enhancing Kenya’s profile as a healthcare hub in the East African region.
This state-of-the-art system can simultaneously provide over 800 test results for multiple disease areas on various types of samples within just one hour. This is a remarkable advancement, especially considering that non-communicable diseases account for over 50% of in-patient hospital admissions and 39% of all annual deaths in Kenya. Among these diseases, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death in the country.
Taofik Oloruko, Head of East Africa and Anglophone West Africa at Roche Diagnostics, highlighted the pivotal role of quality and accurate diagnostic testing in building a more efficient healthcare system.
With this partnership, the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi can serve as a central hub for testing, granting patients increased access to vital diagnostic solutions where they are most needed.
“The initiative will empower healthcare practitioners to obtain more accurate and timely results, allowing for prompt treatment interventions,” Taofik further explained.
Roche is not only introducing cutting-edge technology but also ensuring that healthcare professionals and clinicians receive the necessary training to maximize the benefits of this advanced diagnostic system. Additionally, the system’s design includes measures to minimize its environmental footprint, reducing water usage and waste. It also promotes eco-friendly reagent packaging, contributing to a greener healthcare ecosystem.
Olorukk-Oba emphasized the importance of prevention and early diagnostics in healthcare, particularly in Africa. He noted that many African patients remain undiagnosed or are diagnosed at late stages when treatment can be challenging and expensive. With this collaboration, Roche is committed to exploring innovative business models that drive advancements in African healthcare systems.
“We will continue to explore innovative business models to advance healthcare systems,” he stated.
Olorukk-Oba expressed gratitude to Aga Khan Hospital for providing a vital opportunity to reach more patients, delivering quality results faster, and ultimately benefiting more individuals in need of healthcare services.
