Nawaloka Hospitals unveils South Asia’s first AI-powered MRI scanner

• Revolutionising diagnostic imaging with AI technology
• Enhanced patient experience and accessibility
• A pioneering vision for the future

By Amira Cader

Nawaloka Hospitals PLC, a leader in Sri Lanka’s private healthcare sector, has made history by introducing South Asia’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven MRI scanner. The state-of-the-art Canon Vantage Orian MRI scanner was officially commissioned recently, reinforcing the hospital’s reputation as a pioneer in medical innovation and advanced patient care.

This groundbreaking investment, totalling $ 4.5 million, includes a full upgrade of the hospital’s radiology diagnostic system. This commitment underscores Nawaloka’s dedication to integrating cutting-edge medical technologies that enhance diagnostic precision and elevate patient care.

The addition of the AI-powered MRI scanner places Nawaloka’s radiology services on par with international standards, offering faster and more accurate imaging for early disease detection and diagnosis.

The unveiling of the AI-powered MRI scanner was marked by an official ceremony attended by key dignitaries, including Canon Medical Systems Corporation Japan CEO Koh Yamada and his wife Yuko Yamada, alongside Nawaloka Hospitals PLC Chairman Dr. Jayantha Dharmadasa, as they inspected the newly commissioned scanner at the hospital’s cutting-edge radiology unit.

“This advancement reinforces our mission to provide early, accurate diagnoses and world-class patient care. Our new AI-driven MRI scanner represents a bold step towards redefining diagnostic excellence,” said Nawaloka Hospitals PLC Chairman Dr. Jayantha Dharmadasa.

The AI-powered MRI scanner is equipped with deep learning algorithms that significantly enhance image clarity, speed, and diagnostic accuracy. This technology allows for early detection and precise diagnosis across a wide spectrum of complex medical conditions, leading to improved patient outcomes. The advanced imaging capabilities of this scanner are particularly beneficial for detecting:

• Neurological conditions such as brain tumours, strokes, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis.
• Spinal disorders including herniated discs and spinal cord tumours
• Musculoskeletal injuries such as ligament tears and arthritis.
• Cardiovascular diseases, including congenital heart defects and vascular abnormalities.
• Abdominal and pelvic issues, including liver disease and gynaecological conditions.
• Early-stage cancers, including prostate and breast cancer.
• Paediatric conditions, ensuring safer and faster scans with minimal discomfort.

Designed with patient comfort in mind, the AI-powered MRI scanner features a spacious open-bore design to reduce claustrophobia and incorporates noise reduction technology for a quieter, more relaxing experience. The system is also enhanced with an Advanced Intelligent Clear-IQ Engine (AICE), which eliminates external noise – such as patient breathing – ensuring pristine images without the need for repeated scans.

Additionally, its deep learning reconstruction mechanism, known as Precise Imaging Quality Engine (PIQE), increases the matrix size and pixel count, eliminating noise and delivering sharper anatomical images.

With faster scan times, the AI-powered MRI scanner minimises patient discomfort and reduces waiting periods, making the diagnostic process more efficient. Additional benefits for patients include:

• Sharper anatomical details and crystal-clear imaging for highly accurate diagnoses.
• The elimination of contrast injections, making it safer for patients with kidney disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions.

Understanding the importance of convenience, Nawaloka Hospitals has introduced multiple appointment booking options to streamline patient access to this revolutionary technology. These flexible options ensure a hassle-free experience for patients, whether they require first-time scans or ongoing diagnostic care.

For over four decades, Nawaloka Hospitals has been at the forefront of healthcare innovation in Sri Lanka. From introducing the country’s first CT scanner to now unveiling South Asia’s first AI-powered MRI scanner, the hospital continues to set new benchmarks in medical excellence.

As part of its commitment to establishing Sri Lanka as a regional hub for advanced medical diagnostics and treatments, Nawaloka Hospitals is spearheading AI integration across its services. This shift is expected to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, expand opportunities for medical research, and improve patient outcomes. Furthermore, AI-driven technologies play a vital role in early risk identification, a key component of preventive healthcare.

Despite these technological advancements, Nawaloka Hospitals remains dedicated to a patient-centric approach. AI is positioned as a tool to augment the expertise of medical professionals, ensuring that compassionate, personalised care remains at the core of the hospital’s healthcare services.

With this latest milestone, Nawaloka Hospitals continues to pave the way for medical innovation in Sri Lanka, leveraging AI-driven technology to transform healthcare and improve lives.