Aga Khan University Hospital partners with Roche Diagnostics to revolutionize laboratory testing in East Africa

KENYA — Nairobi’s Aga Khan University Hospital has taken a major step forward in healthcare innovation by partnering with Roche Diagnostics to install the Roche Total Lab Automation (TLA) system.

This state-of-the-art technology is designed to enhance the speed, accuracy, and consistency of critical laboratory testing, marking a significant advancement for medical diagnostics in the region.

This move makes Aga Khan University Hospital the second facility in East Africa, following Dr. Kalebi Labs in October 2024, to implement fully automated laboratory technology.

With this upgrade, the hospital is set to improve access to high-quality medical testing and significantly reduce turnaround times for patients.

The Roche TLA system integrates every stage of the laboratory process into a single, streamlined workflow.

 It automates sample loading, sorting, analysis, and archiving, minimizing manual handling and the risk of human error.

This results in faster, more reliable test results that support better clinical outcomes and a more efficient healthcare system overall.

During the launch event, Taofik Oloruko-Oba, Roche Diagnostics’ Country Manager for Kenya and Head of East Africa Network, emphasized the importance of reliable diagnostic testing as the foundation of effective healthcare.

He expressed Roche’s commitment to supporting Aga Khan University Hospital in strengthening diagnostic services across East Africa.

Prof. Shahin Sayed, Chair of the Pathology Department at Aga Khan University Hospital, highlighted the benefits of full automation, noting that it would enable faster results, reduce errors, and support continuous 24/7 operations.

He also pointed out that the introduction of donor screening with Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) enhances patient safety by detecting infectious agents such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C at early stages using sensitive PCR technology.

The Roche TLA system addresses challenges faced by modern laboratories, including rising demand for tests, shortages of skilled staff, and long turnaround times.

By automating routine tasks and connecting multiple analyzers on a single track, the system offers a scalable, seamless approach to diagnostics — crucial during public health emergencies or surges in testing needs.

This advanced automation can deliver over 800 test results for a wide range of communicable and non-communicable diseases within an hour.

It covers major health areas such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, infectious diseases, diabetes, autoimmune conditions, and pediatrics, making it a vital tool for everyday healthcare and crisis response.

Roche’s partnership with Aga Khan University Hospital is part of a broader 10-year strategy to increase access to in-vitro diagnostics across Africa tenfold.

Roche also commits to providing ongoing training, technical support, and preventive maintenance to ensure optimal system performance and sustainability.

While patients may not see the automation system in action, they will benefit from quicker diagnoses, more accurate results, fewer repeat tests, safer sample handling, and consistent support for chronic and complex conditions.

This partnership not only strengthens Kenya’s healthcare infrastructure but also positions the country as a leading medical hub in East Africa, attracting medical tourism and improving regional health outcomes.

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