Health officials in Dubai are embracing new technology to roll out fast-track medical screenings for people applying for residency visas.
Requiring limited human interaction, the “Smart Salem” mini-clinic in City Walk uses artificial intelligence to speed up residency-related health checks such as blood tests and chest X-rays.
The automated pod will provide medical fitness and occupational screening services within just 30 minutes.
The service is capable of seeing 150 people a day, and will initially be offered to VIPs, investors and holders of the golden residency visa in its first phase, before it is expanded.
Maisa Al Bustani, director of the medical fitness services department at Dubai Health Authority, said the innovation aims to improve the efficiency of what can be an arduous process.
“Upon arriving at the new centre, customers will be able to give their car to the valet service, which combines facial and plate recognition to identify them so that the car can be recalled when their journey is completed autonomously,” she said.
“Once they enter, they will be greeted by a robot who will direct them to a screen for self- registration using their facial and iris print.”
As well as monitoring the usual vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure, the Smart Salem also collects pain-free blood samples at the push of a button.
An electronic monitor identifies the most suitable vein for blood withdrawal, before a device extracts a small blood sample for analysis from within the AI pod.
The AI technology diagnoses chest x-rays within seconds, to spot any signs of tuberculosis or other conditions that may require further investigation.
The pod can evaluate medical history using the Internet of Things technology, that connects multiple devices to analyse medical history and make risk parameters for a doctor to consider.
Results will then be sent to the Salem system electronically, reducing time and eliminating possible errors.
Four separate robots monitor a patients interaction within the pod, to gauge customer service throughout the process.
A personalised “Smart Q-system” calls the customer by their name and recognises their photo, and then directs them to the blood withdrawal booths.
Transparent glass doors electronically become tinted once the customer walks in, to ensure their privacy.
Rooms have screens with different scenery options, which customers can choose, providing a relaxing experience.
Blood samples and the patient’s passport are passed to another robot, which transfers the blood samples to the lab before the patient is directed to the x-ray room.
A special hand-washing process reduces water waste by up to 90 per cent at the end of the process, while the result are transferred securely to the relevant immigration department.
“These technologies will decrease the customer’s journey so that it doesn’t exceed 30 minutes,” said Ms Al Bustani.
“This includes stamping of the visa, and it will also ensure that the customer has an entertaining and quick experience.”
