NOVA MSC Bhd, a leading provider of industry-focused application software and services for the healthcare sector, has through its subsidiary EyRIS Pte Ltd secured a milestone RM7.13 mil contract from JPMCnova Sdn Bhd for the roll-out of the National Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) screening programme in Brunei.
Brunei is one of the earliest countries in the world to strengthen its public health system by integrating a deep learning system into its national DR screening programme. This follows the successful adoption of SELENA+ in Singapore and Oman.
Set to commence in October 2024, the five-year contract will use EyRIS’ advanced AI (artificial intelligence) platform – EySCAN and SELENA+ – across hospitals and healthcare centres in Brunei.
This marks a significant step forward in Brunei’s healthcare strategy as the country confronts a growing diabetic population – currently estimated at 13.3% – which translates to roughly 40,000 citizens.
With DR being the No. 1 cause in vision impairment, a systematic approach to early detection of DR is crucial to ensure early treatment and preventing vision loss.
An automated deep-learning system developed in collaboration with the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) and the NUS School of Computing, SELENA+ offers a ground-breaking solution for the early detection of diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration through the analysis of colour retinal images.
Classified as a medical device, SELENA+ has secured regulatory approvals in the European Union (EU) and countries such as Australia, Brazil, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.
“We are proud to partner the Brunei MOH (Health Ministry) in their quest to leverage AI technology to transform how a medical service can be delivered cost-effectively,” Nova MSC’s group CEO Lai Teik Kin pointed out.
“The nationwide deployment of SELENA+ will streamline the entire screening process and provide instantaneous & accurate diagnoses.”
Beyond DR, EyRIS can expand its AI offerings to detect systemic diseases such as chronic kidney disease, neurological disorders and cardiovascular conditions.
This aligns with Nova MSC’s vision of addressing global healthcare challenges with wider access to solutions that promises to be cheaper, faster and with better accuracy
All in all, the said project will establish a robust National DR screening programme across Brunei’s hospitals and healthcare centres with all connected to EyRIS’ cloud-based tele-ophthalmology platform, EySCAN.
The selection of SELENA+ in this project further cements Nova MSC’s leadership in healthcare innovation, especially in the area of first stage medical diagnosis.
At the close of today’s trading, Nova MSC was unchanged at 15.5 sen with 14.43 million shares traded, thus valuing the company at RM208 mil. – Sept 9, 2024
