GE HealthCare is working on AI-powered ultrasounds to combat pediatric and maternal mortality rates. The effort will be supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
GE Health says it plans to develop an AI-assisted ultrasound imaging tool that is so easy to use that even healthcare providers without specialized training will be able to operate it. Research and development of the device will be funded by a $44 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which has invested in the past in launching new technologies in resource-poor settings to address gaps in access to healthcare .
Bill Gates wants to revolutionize the medical system
Thus, GE HealthCare says that the AI-based imaging technology was designed to be widespread in low- and middle-income countries, where the services of healthcare providers may be reduced. The ultrasound tool will be more effective in providing clear readings of lung and ultrasound scans in maternal and fetal care as well as pediatric lung health.
These areas of medicine are particularly noteworthy because maternal and infant mortality are largely preventable if medical intervention occurs early. Therefore, appropriate medical imaging is key to making a timely diagnosis, guides treatment decisions, and can improve treatment outcomes.
“We are proud and excited to receive this grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to make ultrasounds more accessible in low- and middle-income countries. Ultrasound is an essential tool for screening and diagnosing various medical conditions, including maternal health and respiratory disease management,” said Roland Rott, President and CEO, Ultrasound, GE HealthCare.
GE HealthCare’s $3 billion ultrasound business has recently focused on AI software development with the acquisition of medical technology companies such as Caption Health, which will help design this ultrasound device. The company appears to be committed to a strategy of increasing spending on AI-related projects both now and in the near future.
