UMP Healthcare is using artificial intelligence (AI) from fellow Hong Kong firm Imsight Technology to improve the analysis of chest x-rays.

The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on AI medical imaging analysis.

Through this collaboration, UMP will implement the DR-Sight AI technology to assist in the examination of chest x-rays at its medical centres. This has the potential to improve healthcare quality and service efficiency.

DR-Sight is an AI-based medical imaging diagnostic assistance technology designed for assessing chest x-rays images. It is used to identify symptoms of various chest diseases, including pneumonia, tuberculosis, pulmonary oedema and pneumothorax, and alert doctors of potential problems. Doctors can conduct more detailed analysis and subsequent diagnosis with these prompts, assisting in the early detection of diseases and facilitating timely and appropriate treatment.

“UMP has long believed in the importance of medical technology development for patients, and we offer support in a variety of capacities,” said Jacquen Kwok, co-CEO of UMP. “We are also keen on identifying suitable technology applications for our business and allocating resources to train doctors and healthcare teams, which helps them adapt to new technologies and increases their confidence in usage. We anticipate that the implementation of this AI technology will be well-applied in clinical practice, boosting medical efficiency and benefiting patients in the long run.”

Imsight Technology is based in the Hong Kong Science Park and a member of the Hong Kong Medical & Healthcare Device Industries Association (HKMHDIA). Under the MoU framework, UMP will deploy the DR-Sight technology across its medical centres in Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China, with six already in use in Hong Kong. UMP will continue close communication with Imsight Technology, providing feedback on clinical practice based on the usage of frontline healthcare professionals.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with UMP and engage in various clinical applications to further enhance the relevant technology,” said Chapman Lee, director of Imsight Technology. “Imsight Technology looks forward to future collaborations in alleviating the burden on healthcare professionals through innovation.”

Founded in 1990, UMP Healthcare is a medical group listed on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Along with providing healthcare services that address a wide range of individual needs, UMP closely works with more than 2000 local and international businesses and insurance organisations to establish and administer corporate healthcare benefit programmes for members. The medical service network spans over 1000 self-owned and affiliated institutions across Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China, offering services such as family medicine, specialist consultation, dental care, diagnostic imaging and laboratory testing, preventive medicine and health examination, physical therapy, day surgery, and endoscopy.