The global healthcare sector was forced to adjust to a new reality practically overnight when COVID-19 hit. Hospitals and clinics of all sizes were quickly filled to capacity with the rapid spread of coronavirus, which created an unprecedented number of patients.

Governments around the world immediately began implementing new restrictions severely limiting face-to-face contact between people in an effort to stem the pandemic; a measure that affected healthcare services across the world.

Healthcare organisations are still trying to compensate for substantial disruptions to their core services, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) survey conducted from October 2020 to February 2021. More than half of the countries surveyed indicated that their healthcare sectors have adopted alternative ways of providing healthcare, including increased use of telemedicine and other methods.

Working to solve the most pressing problems

A proud alumnus of the show and winner of Stars of Science Season 10, Dr Walid AlBanna, who joined this season’s jury panel, emphasises that Stars of Science is helping bridge the gap on healthcare knowledge, as the programme sees a number of contestants focus on delivering pioneering medical technologies every year. Dr AlBanna said we need innovators who focus on solving the most pressing problems and challenges.

Thankfully, we have had more than a few Stars of Science contestants bring novel advancements to medicine and telemedicine, even after their time on the show.

This year, Stars of Science Season 13 features two inventions that promise to supplement the region’s telemedicine landscape.

Yemen's Mugeb Alharosh working on his innovation.
Yemeni Biomedical Engineer Mugeb AlHarosh (left) working on his innovation.

Mugeb AlHarosh, a Yemeni biomedical engineer, introduced his Portable Renal Blood Flowmeter, which diagnoses preliminary kidney damage functions by using non-invasive biosensors attached to the skin. With data uploaded to physicians through wireless networks, the benefits include more efficient utilisation of resources by minimising face-to-face consultations.

Ousama Kanawati working on his innovation, the Wearable Omni Stethoscope Vest
Ousama Kanawati working on his innovation, the Wearable Omni Stethoscope Vest

Lebanese computer scientist Ousama Kanawati, earned his spot this season with his Wearable Omni Stethoscope Vest. The innovation monitors the patient’s lungs by combining numerous digital stethoscopes and wireless technology, identifying chronic respiratory diseases in the earlier stages to facilitate preventive treatment. The analysis is relayed to the patient’s physician and an alert is sent to the user’s phone if abnormalities are detected.

READ ALSO: Stars of Science Announces Season 13 Finalists

Bolstering digital health and telemedicine research

Stars of Science has been complementing Qatar’s plans to bolster digital health and telemedicine research since its launch in 2009. Throughout its history, numerous alumni have introduced innovative medical inventions to regional and international markets, with some gaining recognition across the world.

Ziad Sankari, a Lebanese contestant from Season 3, is one such alumnus. His innovation, LifeSense, acts as a remote monitoring system looking after patients as they go about their daily lives by combining cardio monitoring with the Global System for Mobile Communications to warn patients about potential cardiac conditions.

After winning second place in 2011, Sankari received a grant from Qatar Science and Technology Park to further develop his innovation and work towards commercialising his device. Currently, his company CardioDiagnostics services tens of thousands of patients between the US and the Middle East.

In 2015, Sankari was invited to visit the White House and meet with former US President Barack Obama, following his major contribution to improving healthcare through entrepreneurship.

Post-COVID reality

As telemedicine continues to gain prominence in the global healthcare sector, innovators like AlHarosh and Kanawati will have an important role to play, especially as the world transitions to a post-COVID-19 reality. Stars of Science will continue to support inspiring Arab inventors as they introduce new technologies to facilitate the widespread use of telemedicine methods in the region and beyond.

Stars of Science is an initiative of Qatar Foundation. It airs on six channels in the region and online. Please visit the broadcast guide for channels and timings.

To apply to be on Stars of Science Season 14 and earn a chance to win the title of Arab World’s Top Innovator, visit starsofscience.info


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