During the fifth Annual Forum organized by the General Healthcare Authority (EHA) on November 26, 2024, EHA announced the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Roche Diagnostics and Roche Pharma in Egypt. The agreement focuses on advancing digital pathology and enhancing data governance to accelerate the digital transformation of Egypt’s healthcare sector, in line with the nation’s Vision 2030 for comprehensive healthcare.
The signing ceremony was attended by:
- Dr. Ahmed El-Sobky, Chairman of the General Healthcare Authority
- Dr. Amir El-Tilwany, Executive Director of EHA
- Dr. Liliane Kanaan, General Manager of Roche Diagnostics in Egypt and North Africa
- Engineer Moataz Nassef, Commercial Director of Roche Diagnostics in Egypt and North Africa
- Dr. Ziyad Elahwal, Market Access, Policy, and Government Affairs Lead at Roche Pharma Egypt
Advancing Digital Pathology
Roche Diagnostics will support EHA by providing state-of-the-art equipment to enable a transition to digital pathology solutions. This includes the deployment of the Ventana DP 600 slide scanner at the Ismailia Medical Complex. The device can scan up to 240 slides simultaneously, streamline digital workflow management, and enhance the accuracy and speed of tumor diagnoses, ultimately enabling faster, more precise treatment options for patients.
In addition, the partnership will facilitate knowledge exchange programs and strategic healthcare consultations to improve the efficiency of medical laboratories. Roche will also organize training programs to upskill laboratory personnel, focusing on both basic and advanced diagnostic techniques.
Enhancing Data Governance
Roche Pharma’s contribution will focus on improving data governance across EHA-managed healthcare institutions, ensuring efficient resource allocation and system optimization. By leveraging advanced digital technologies, EHA aims to streamline workflows, enhance patient data transfer between healthcare providers, and support evidence-based medical decision-making.
Leadership Remarks
Dr. Ahmed El-Sobky, Chairman of EHA, emphasized that the agreement marks a pivotal step in the adoption of modern technology within Egypt’s healthcare sector, ultimately improving the quality of services provided to citizens. He highlighted the importance of collaborating with global partners like Roche Diagnostics and Roche Pharma to achieve excellence in healthcare services and support the strategic goals of Vision 2030.
Dr. Liliane Kanaan, General Manager of Roche Diagnostics in Egypt and North Africa, stated:
“At Roche, we remain committed to contributing to the development of healthcare in all our active markets, particularly Egypt, which has made significant strides in recent years. We are proud of this strategic collaboration in digital pathology, which will enhance the patient journey across all stages of diagnosis and treatment. We look forward to integrating our expertise in healthcare and technology to further this mission.”
Commitment to Innovation and Quality
As part of its commitment to innovation, Roche will facilitate exchange programs for EHA staff to visit its global headquarters and manufacturing sites, as well as leading hospitals, to observe best practices in healthcare management. Roche will also collaborate with accreditation and quality assurance organizations to elevate industry standards and improve medical laboratory operations.
Expanding Access to Healthcare
This partnership builds on Egypt’s “Telemedicine” initiative, launched in 2022, which aims to expand access to healthcare services beyond Cairo through technological solutions. By strengthening the public-private partnership, Roche and EHA are working together to provide integrated, innovative, and sustainable healthcare services that address the needs of both patients and the broader community.