How Total Lab Automation is transforming healthcare delivery in Africa

Total Lab Automation (TLA) is revolutionizing healthcare delivery in Africa, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, reducing turnaround times, and improving overall efficiency. TLA integrates automated sample handling, testing, and data analysis, streamlining workflows and making healthcare services more accessible and affordable. Dr. Ahmed Kalebi, Principal Pathologist and Founder of Dr. Kalebi Labs in Nairobi, shared insights on the benefits, challenges, and impact of TLA in an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa. One of the key benefits of TLA, as highlighted by Dr. Kalebi, is the scalability of sample handling, which leads to improvements in efficiency and decreased turnaround times. TLA enables quicker production of results with increased accuracy and reduced errors, ultimately bringing down costs due to economies of scale. This transformative technology is changing the landscape of healthcare delivery in Africa by making diagnostic services faster, more reliable, and cost-effective. Dr. Kalebi pointed out that partnerships with key players like Roche, Sysmex, and Abbott have been instrumental in driving the adoption of TLA in Africa. Dr. Kalebi Labs in Kenya became the first lab on the continent to integrate Total Lab Automation using chemistry, immunoassay, and hematology in one facility. This milestone was achieved through a bold collaboration with international industry leaders and marks a significant advancement in laboratory practices in Africa. However, Dr. Kalebi also shed light on the challenges faced by laboratories in Africa when it comes to implementing automation, with cost being a major barrier. The upfront capital cost of TLA is high, making it difficult for many labs in Africa to afford the technology. Additionally, infrastructure and training requirements add to the complexity of adopting TLA, further limiting its accessibility in the region. To overcome these challenges, Dr. Kalebi highlighted the importance of financing models and partnerships to make lab automation more accessible in lower-income regions. By establishing placement models and seeking investment from capital investors, labs can leverage partnerships with equipment manufacturers to facilitate the adoption of TLA. Government support, particularly in terms of financing and reducing operational costs, is crucial for driving investments in TLA automation in Africa. In Kenya, where Dr. Kalebi operates, the role of government and the private sector is paramount in driving the adoption of TLA and improving the affordability of lab tests. Government intervention to reduce taxes, financing costs, and other operational expenses can significantly lower the cost of production for laboratories, making diagnostic services more accessible to the population. Collaboration with overseas manufacturers to explore leasing arrangements and cost-saving initiatives can further enhance the sustainability of TLA adoption in Africa. Dr. Kalebi highlighted the measurable impact of TLA automation in Nairobi and other regions, citing a 30 to 50% reduction in test prices and increased testing capacity. With TLA, labs can streamline operations, handle more samples, and serve a wider network of referring facilities, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes and accessibility across the region. The adoption of TLA is set to revolutionize healthcare delivery in Africa and drive advancements in diagnostic services, setting a new standard for quality and efficiency in the industry.