Merge, RAD-AID International bring radiology services to developing countries

Merge Healthcare has launched a new collaboration with RAD-AID International, a nonprofit organization, to bring radiology and other health services to “medically underserved and poor regions” throughout the world, the companies announced earlier this month.

Known as RAD-AID Merge International Imaging Informatics Initiative, or RMI4, the project will combine the efforts of 3,5000 volunteers, 14 country-outreach programs, 33 university-based chapters and the United Nations’ World Health Organization (WHO).

According to the WHO, many low- and middle-income countries have very little access to such technologies as PACS workstations and electronic health records. Merge and RAD-AID International will work together to implement these technologies, as well as others, and provide on-site training in those areas.

RAD-AID International’s Radiology-Readiness Assessment tool played a key role in the formation of this collaboration, and through important updates, it will continue to be used to help provide accurate data analysis to the various regions in need.

"Merge takes corporate social responsibility very seriously and is excited to partner with RAD-AID to bring radiology and health information technologies to medically underserved and resource-limited countries across the globe," Justin Dearborn, Merge Healthcare CEO, said in a statement.

"This collaboration between RAD-AID and Merge represents a major step forward in bridging charitable outreach and health technologies for the mission of improving global health," Dan Mollura, RAD-AID International CEO, said in the same statement.

More information is scheduled to be announced at the annual RAD-AID Conference in Washington D.C. on Nov. 7.