<p>On November 12, 2023, the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi upgraded its medical imaging system to the advanced AGFA HealthCare Enterprise Imaging for our Stadium Road campus and Clifton Medical Services (CMS). This has replaced the previous Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), which had been in place for 18 years and had become outdated. The new system will enhance processes and serve the future needs of the hospital.</p><p>"Enterprise Imaging is a transformative leap forward in our commitment to exceptional patient care," says Dr Zafar Sajjad, Professor and Chair of the Department of Radiology at AKUH. "It consolidates various imaging functions onto a unified platform, enabling our team to deliver precise diagnostics and streamlined services for our patients."</p><p>While the transition to Enterprise Imaging was spearheaded by the ICT Department, its successful execution owes itself to the collective effort of multiple teams and robust leadership support. Our seamless transition to the new system ensured uninterrupted patient care services, both during and after the go-live phase. Additionally, the invaluable support from AGFA HealthCare throughout the project lifecycle deserves special acknowledgment.</p><p>Enterprise Imaging is a smart solution that combines different imaging systems and includes enhanced features for diagnostics, data management, and accessibility. It offers a seamless, secure online platform to deliver the highest quality of services for our patients, bringing innovation and process efficiency within the radiology department and beyond. </p><p>As AGFA HealthCare states, Enterprise Imaging allows physicians to “have easy and quick access to a comprehensive and historical view of their patients" with “the only requirement being a device with internet access."</p><p>Enterprise Imaging has several exciting and innovative features. It includes a Vendor Neutral Archive (VNA), which ensures better compatibility between different imaging systems. It consolidates all imaging data into a single central location, simplifying access for healthcare professionals. Additionally, it enables authorized users to securely view medical images from any location with internet access, encouraging remote collaboration. </p><p>The system also prioritizes robust security measures to safeguard patient data. Moreover, it enhances digital workflow, expediting image processes from capture to storage and sharing. It even seamlessly integrates with Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems, facilitating improved communication across healthcare platforms.</p><p>Dr Farhat Abbas, CEO of AKU Health Services Pakistan, states, “The introduction of Enterprise Imaging aligns with our vision for pioneering the best and emerging healthcare practices and technologies. This initiative will significantly enhance image quality, operational efficiency, and foster a culture of excellence in patient care."</p><p>Enterprise Imaging will allow healthcare professionals at AKUH, Karachi and CMS to make more informed decisions with quick, easy access to comprehensive imaging data, leading to improved patient care and outcomes. Our physicians will also experience increased productivity with more time to focus on patients as they spend less time searching for and accessing images. </p><p>The new Enterprise Imaging system exemplifies the continuous growth and innovation fostered by AKUH. By seamlessly integrating state-of-the-art scientific advancements with a focus on patient-centered care, this cutting-edge imaging system promises to open new doors for both healthcare providers and patients at AKUH. In due course, the Enterprise Imaging system will be launched in our off-campus hospitals in Karachi and Hyderabad as well.
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