A S U

Ain Shams University Virtual Hospital (AVH) expresses its appreciation and warm welcome for all new initiatives aimed at advancing digital healthcare across the region.

In the context of documenting the historical record of foundational steps in virtual healthcare in Africa, AVH reaffirms its position as the first virtual hospital in the Arab Republic of Egypt and on the African continent.

Launched officially in 2018, AVH operates under a clear and defined vision:
“Leading technology-driven healthcare transformation in Egypt and the region.”

AVH’s journey began even prior to its official launch, reflecting a deep commitment to digital transformation, through the following key phases:

1. Regional Launch (2016):

The core concept of AVH was introduced through the “Treat and Teach” initiative at the League of Arab States headquarters in January 2016, with representatives from 13 countries in attendance. This initiative outlined a new model that focused on tailored healthcare packages, combining capacity-building activities, telemedicine support, and other integrated components to bridge healthcare gaps.

2. University Identity and Academic Excellence:

As a university hospital, AVH draws upon the specialized expertise of Ain Shams University in integrating clinical care with training and applied research, reinforcing its mission in digital medicine advancement and academic innovation.

Scope of Impact & Service Delivery:

AVH’s operations go far beyond conventional telemedicine consultations, including:

– African Outreach:

AVH has led several development projects across Africa, most notably in Somalia, where it supported the establishment of five intensive care beds, trained a team of 20 doctors and nurses, and continues to provide ongoing telemedicine-based specialist support.

– In Egypt:

AVH established a Command Center for the virtual management of multiple intensive care units affiliated with Ain Shams University, using health informatics to support data-driven clinical decision-making.

– Direct Telemedicine Services for Patients:

Since 2020, AVH has provided direct telemedicine consultations via a professional website featuring 39 specialized clinics, receiving patients from across the globe.
It has also launched various health-support initiatives, including a collaboration with Sanofi in areas such as rheumatology, respiratory care, pediatrics, gastroenterology, and allergy management.

– Continuity of Care & Medical Tourism:

Several departments utilize telemedicine technologies to ensure continuity of care, particularly for patients with disabilities or those residing in remote governorates.
Telemedicine also supports the Ain Shams University medical tourism program, offering pre-arrival and post-departure follow-up for international patients to ensure comprehensive care.

International Recognition & Policy Contributions

1. WHO Recognition:

AVH has received international recognition from the World Health Organization (WHO) for its efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, where it successfully managed consultations for nearly 30,000 patients via telemedicine.

2. Policy Development & National Standards:

Thanks to its expertise, the AVH team contributed to several WHO-led guidelines and played a key role in developing national telemedicine accreditation standards in collaboration with the General Authority for Healthcare Accreditation and Regulation (GAHAR).

Commitment & Future Collaboration

Ain Shams University Digital Hospital (AVH) reaffirms its commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders, governmental and private sector alike, to drive sustainable and purpose-driven digital transformation across Egypt and Africa.

Additionally, AVH’s work has been internationally documented through publications in leading scientific journals, reinforcing its status as a pioneering institution in digital healthcare, both locally and globally.