Beirut: As part of its continued commitment to pioneering healthcare in Lebanon and the region, and its ongoing investment in next-generation diagnostic and treatment technologies, the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) has successfully installed the Middle East's first Philips BlueSeal XE MRI system. This milestone further reinforces AUBMC's leadership in precision medicine, advanced diagnostic imaging, and patient-centered innovation.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, the launch ceremony was attended by AUB President Fadlo R. Khuri, Dr. Weam Abou Hamdan, the director general of the Ministry of Public Health representing the Minister of Public Health Rakan Nassereldine, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Lebanon Frank Mollen, government officials, AUBMC and Philips leadership, Intermedic, members of the medical community, and hospital management, reflecting the significance of acquiring this cutting-edge medical technology.
The BlueSeal XE MRI system introduces breakthrough imaging capabilities designed to enhance the patient experience, improve diagnostic accuracy and precision, and increase operational efficiency. Equipped with Smart Speed Precise, a next-generation acceleration technique powered by Dual AI innovation, the BlueSeal XE enables scans up to three times faster, enhances image sharpness by up to 80 percent, and produces MR images with reduced ringing artifacts. These advanced capabilities help improve diagnostic confidence and precision, reduce total examination time and cost per scan, while helping ensure greater patient comfort throughout the imaging process.
The platform also supports AI-driven reporting and immediate scan-quality assessment tailored to specific clinical needs, including cancer imaging and chronic neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Multiple Sclerosis.
AUB President Fadlo R. Khuri thanked Philips for their collaboration with the radiology team, as well as Intermedic for their continued support. He emphasized the importance of this milestone, saying it represents their ongoing commitment to excellence and reflects the determination to keep AUBMC at the forefront of cutting-edge medical technology, demonstrating belief that the people of Lebanon and the region deserve access to the best healthcare available.
Dr. Weam Abou Hamdan reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to supporting digital transformation and collaboration with academic healthcare institutions, highlighting the achievement as a reinforcement of Lebanon's ability to remain at the forefront of medical innovation despite ongoing challenges.
Ambassador Frank Mollen congratulated Philips and AUBMC's teams for their efforts, noting the collaboration as an example of how Dutch innovation and Lebanese medical excellence can deliver faster diagnoses, better patient care, and a stronger healthcare system for the region.
Dr. Raymond Sawaya, the Raja N. Khuri Dean of Faculty of Medicine, emphasized the importance of advanced technology in providing excellence in patient care, expressing privilege in partnering with Philips to acquire the state-of-the-art BlueSeal MRI system.
Mr. Joseph Otayek, the director of the AUB Medical Center, stated the institution's determination to invest, innovate, and lead despite Lebanon's challenges, highlighting the ongoing mission to advance healthcare.
Dr. Ghina Berjawi, chair of the Department of Diagnostic Radiology, reaffirmed the commitment to patients, scientific excellence, and a sustainable, resilient future for world-class healthcare in Beirut.
The project was completed in collaboration between AUBMC's teams and Philips' specialists and is undergoing final optimization phases to ensure the highest level of clinical performance. Mr. Mohammed Saleh, Philips country manager for the Levant region, emphasized the role of smart systems and intelligent software in enhancing care, simplifying complexity, and ensuring care continuity.
The event concluded with presentations of the machine's innovative features that distinguish it from conventional MR machines. AUBMC's Department of Diagnostic Radiology remains the largest in Lebanon, utilizing leading-edge imaging technology and advanced interventional therapies. Despite adversity, AUBMC continues to invest in world-class medical technologies, positioning itself as a regional hub for diagnostic excellence and advanced imaging training.