Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta is planning a provincewide expansion of artificial intelligence technology in hospitals to increase MRI scanning capacity by 20 per cent and provide more than 41,000 additional scans every year.
The provincial government, working with Acute Care Alberta, is investing nearly $14 million in the Health Canada-approved system, which is designed to shorten MRI examinations while improving image quality. The technology is installed directly onto existing MRI machines, allowing hospitals to complete more scans without relying solely on additional equipment.
Hospital and Surgical Health Services Minister Adriana LaGrange said the investment would build on the province’s record MRI volumes and help patients access diagnostic services sooner. She added that increasing capacity and reducing waiting periods remain key objectives for the government.
Acute Care Alberta interim CEO Dr. Sayeh Zielke said the technology would help hospitals make more efficient use of their existing MRI resources while preserving the image quality doctors need to make diagnoses and plan treatment.
Pilot project already delivered nearly 12,000 additional scans
The initiative follows a pilot programme launched in April 2025. AI technology installed on 10 MRI scanners across Alberta has helped deliver nearly 12,000 extra scans since the trial began.
Based on the results, the government is now moving ahead with a wider rollout to address growing demand for diagnostic imaging. Full implementation across the province is expected by 2028.
The investment comes after another year of increased imaging activity in Alberta. The province reported a four per cent rise in publicly funded MRI scans last year, while the number of CT scans completed increased by eight per cent compared with the previous year.
Authorities are also increasing diagnostic imaging services in both hospitals and community-based facilities as demand for examinations continues to rise.
Patient information to remain within privacy safeguards
The AI system works directly through MRI scanners and does not send patient records, scan images or personal details to external networks. According to the government, all information will remain protected under Alberta’s existing privacy and security requirements.
Once the rollout is complete, the technology is expected to improve the use of existing MRI equipment across acute care facilities and increase the number of patients who can receive diagnostic scans.
The province expects the additional capacity to help address imaging demand and support earlier diagnosis and treatment for Albertans.
