Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has given in-principle approval for introducing an artificial intelligence powered multi-disease scanner in the province, aimed at improving the speed and effectiveness of medical screening and diagnosis. The chief minister was briefed on the technology during a meeting with senior executives of Chinese technology company Alibaba, who presented details of the system’s capabilities.
According to the briefing, the AI powered Multi-Disease Screening Solution uses non-contrast CT and can potentially detect up to 10 diseases within two minutes. The system is designed to support disease screening, diagnosis, treatment and management, with a particular focus on the early detection of five potentially fatal cancers, positioning it as a tool aimed at catching serious illnesses at a stage when treatment options remain more effective.
The technology can assist in diagnosing pancreatic and liver cancers, and screen for gastric, pancreatic, esophageal, colorectal and liver cancers. It can also screen for Acute Aortic Syndrome and assess risks associated with cardiovascular diseases, while additionally evaluating fat and muscle health, assisting in assessing osteoporosis and bone weakness, and helping detect fatty liver disease. The technology is intended to complement conventional diagnostic methods rather than replace them, giving doctors an additional tool for faster and more comprehensive patient assessment.
Maryam Nawaz expressed keen interest in the system and received a detailed briefing on its capabilities before granting in-principle approval. Following this, she directed provincial health authorities to prepare a pilot project for introducing the technology in Punjab. There is currently no information on when and where the technology will be deployed first, though further details are expected as the pilot project moves forward. The announcement follows Punjab’s recent deal with Huawei to train 1,000 specialized AI master trainers, reflecting the province’s continued push to bring AI powered tools into public sector applications including healthcare.
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