In a landmark event poised to redefine medical imaging in Africa, Fujifilm, in collaboration with ERANIS Medical Imaging and Engineering Ltd, hosted the official launch of “Fujifilm Day” on Thursday, 7th August, at the prestigious Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra.
The high-profile gathering brought together leading medical institutions, healthcare professionals, and industry stakeholders to showcase groundbreaking advancements in diagnostic technology and foster partnerships aimed at elevating healthcare delivery across the region .
A Convergence of Innovation and Healthcare Excellence
The event highlighted Fujifilm’s legacy of R&D-driven diagnostic solutions, leveraging its expertise in high-precision imaging systems and AI-powered analytics. Attendees were treated to live demonstrations of next-generation equipment, including:
– AI-integrated radiology systems for faster, more accurate diagnostics.
– Portable imaging devices tailored for rural healthcare challenges, aligning with initiatives like India’s Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission .
– Thermal and optical sensing technologies adapted for tropical climates, addressing environmental hurdles faced in African healthcare settings .
Ghana Commits to Universal Health Coverage Through Digital Innovation and Strategic Partnerships
Desmond Boateng, Director General of Ghana’s Ministry of Health, delivered a keynote address on behalf of the substantive Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, emphasizing the government’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through technology,
partnerships, and equitable access.
Key Highlights from the Speech:
1. Universal Health Coverage as a Moral Obligation
– Boateng stressed that UHC is not just a policy goal but a moral duty to ensure every Ghanaian, regardless of location or income, has access to quality healthcare.
– He called for bold action, innovation, and collaboration to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery.
2. Digital Health as a Critical Enabler
– Technology is no longer optional but a necessity for efficient, equitable, and resilient healthcare.
– Ghana has made strides in digitizing the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), with over 17 million enrollees, and is integrating electronic medical records**
nationwide.
– AI diagnostics, telemedicine, and mobile health apps are transforming care, particularly in underserved areas.
3. Fujifilm Partnership to Boost Diagnostics & Early Detection
– A strategic collaboration with FujiFilm Corporation and Eranis Medical Imaging will:
– Deploy advanced imaging equipment in regional and district hospitals.
– Train Ghanaian professionals in cutting-edge medical technologies.
– Introduce mobile screening units for breast cancer, tuberculosis, and maternal health diagnostics in rural areas.
– Integrate AI-assisted diagnosis to compensate for the shortage of radiologists (fewer than 150 nationwide, mostly in urban centers).
4. Tackling Non-Communicable Diseases
(NCDs)
– NCDs (hypertension, diabetes, cancers, cardiovascular diseases) account for 43% of deaths in Ghana.
– Two-thirds of hypertension cases go undiagnosed, and most cancers are detected too late.
– The Mahama Cares program will leverage this partnership to improve early detection, especially in rural and peri-urban areas.
– Economic impact: NCDs could cost Ghana 8% of GDP by 2030, but early intervention could yield $7 in economic returns for every $1 spent.
5. Three-Pillar Transformation Agenda
i.Technology & Innovation: Building a data-driven, connected health infrastructure.
ii. Partnerships & Investment: Strengthening local expertise through collaborations.
iii. Health for All: Ensuring policies align
with UHC goals.
6. Call for Collective Action
– Boateng urged government, private sector, academia, and development partners to unite in Ghana’s healthcare transformation.
– Reiterated Ghana’s openness to innovation, investment, and sustainable reforms.
Boateng expressed gratitude to FujiFilm and Eranis for their commitment to health equity and assured Ghanaians of the government’s dedication to accessible, people-centered healthcare.
“Our rule is simple yet profound: healthcare that works for you, wherever you are, whenever you need it.”
The speech closed with a call for unity in
building a healthier future for all Ghanaians.
Fujifilm Middle East and Africa MD Highlights AI-Driven Healthcare Expansion in Ghana
Shin Tagawa, Managing Director of Fujifilm Middle East and Africa, has revealed the company’s strategic focus on leveraging advanced medical technologies, including AI-driven solutions, to improve healthcare accessibility in Ghana.
In an exclusive interview, Tagawa emphasized Fujifilm’s shift from its traditional photography business to healthcare, with the sector expected to constitute 50% of the company’s operations by 2030.
Bridging Healthcare Gaps with AI
Tagawa explained that Fujifilm’s medical division specializes in diagnostic equipment and AI-powered IT solutions designed to enhance early disease detection and reduce patient burdens.
“Many people in Africa, including Ghana, struggle with limited access to medical facilities due to income constraints and distance. Our AI technologies enable faster, more accurate screenings, allowing fewer doctors to serve more patients effectively,” he stated.
Local Partnerships and Capacity Building
Fujifilm is collaborating with local partners to ensure sustainable healthcare improvements. Tagawa stressed the importance of training Ghanaian professionals, including doctors, engineers, and distributors, to independently operate and maintain these
systems.
“Our goal is to empower Ghana to sustain these advancements independently. We are committed to continuous training programs,” he added. The company has technology centers in Egypt, South Africa, and Dubai, where African medical professionals receive hands-on training.
Addressing Doctor Shortages
With Ghana facing a shortage of medical practitioners, Tagawa highlighted how AI can optimize diagnoses, reducing errors and improving efficiency. “AI supports doctors in making faster, more accurate decisions, ultimately expanding healthcare coverage,” he noted.
Fujifilm remains dedicated to its corporate purpose of “giving the world more smiles” by integrating cutting-edge healthcare
solutions in emerging markets like Ghana. Further collaborations and training initiatives are expected to roll out in the coming months.
At the sidelines of the official launch of FujiFilm Day in Ghana, Newsghanaonline secured an exclusive interview with Dr. Isaac Thomson, Executive Director of ERANIS Medical Imaging and Engineering Ltd and a renowned physician specialist. Dr. Thomson unveiled a transformative partnership between ERANIS and Fujifilm aimed at revolutionizing Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure.
Breaking the Cycle of Medical Equipment Waste
Dr. Thomson highlighted Ghana’s persistent challenge with underutilized medical equipment: “We are plagued with a vicious cycle—hospitals acquire advanced machines, but due to lack of
maintenance, training, or financing, these critical tools end up wasted.” The ERANIS-Fujifilm collaboration seeks to disrupt this cycle through a comprehensive Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Key components include:
– Sustainable Financing: ERANIS will purchase equipment (e.g., CT scanners, MRIs) and deploy them to hospitals under flexible payment plans tied to patient volume (e.g., 70-30 or 80-20 revenue-sharing models).
– End-to-End Support: Fujifilm’s 24/7 technical center will provide real-time troubleshooting, while joint training programs ensure local engineers and technicians can maintain equipment.
Expanding Access to Rural Communities
A standout innovation is the deployment of portable, AI-powered X-ray machines to
remote areas. “These devices can be transported via motorbikes to hinterlands, enabling TB diagnoses without on-site radiologists,” Dr. Thomson explained. This initiative aims to slash tuberculosis rates by enabling rapid treatment in underserved regions.
A 10-Year Vision for Healthcare Transformation
The partnership’s decade-long framework ensures longevity:
– Performance-Based Partnerships: Hospitals will pay ERANIS based on procedure volumes, incentivizing consistent equipment use.
– Zero Downtime Guarantee: Fujifilm’s training and support network will minimize machine outages.
“Our goal is to make healthcare accessible and sustainable—no more abandoned
machines or untreated patients,” Dr. Thomson emphasized.
About ERANIS Ltd.
ERANIS Medical, a leader in engineering medical solutions, emphasized its role in localizing Fujifilm’s technology for Ghana’s infrastructure, ensuring seamless integration into hospitals and clinics.
Key Takeaways from the Launch
1. Public-Private Partnerships: The collaboration underscores Fujifilm’s commitment to Africa’s healthcare growth, mirroring its global strategy of merging diagnostics with digital innovation.
2. Smart Healthcare Integration: Discussions aligned with Accra’s push for smart city infrastructure, where optical sensors and imaging could revolutionize disease surveillance and emergency response.
3. Training and Capacity Building: Fujifilm announced plans for local technician training programs, addressing skill gaps in advanced imaging maintenance.
Quotes from the Event
– “This partnership bridges global expertise with local needs, ensuring Ghana’s healthcare system is future-ready.”
By Kingsley Asiedu
Source: newsghana.com.gh
