Philips has delivered 390 Lumify handheld ultrasound devices to Rwanda’s Imbuto Foundation in collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The initiative aims to strengthen medical imaging access nationwide, particularly in remote regions, supporting Rwanda’s healthcare transformation goals.
The Philips Lumify system pairs transducers with a smartphone or tablet app, enabling portable diagnostics in emergency, critical, and prenatal care. Its tele-ultrasound feature allows real-time collaboration between frontline health workers and specialists via live imaging, voice, and camera feeds.
A “Train the Trainer” program led by Philips equipped 20 Rwanda Biomedical Centre ultrasound technologists to teach midwives, nurses, and clinical officers in rural clinics. The training focuses on integrating basic ultrasound skills into routine care to identify complications early.
“Bringing health technology to underserved areas is critical to improving outcomes,” said Joe Harb, Senior Program Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “These tools empower professionals to deliver high-quality care and build resilient systems.”
Vugayabagabo Jackson of Imbuto Foundation emphasized the partnership’s timing: “This initiative reinforces our commitment to equipping healthcare workers with skills for better patient outcomes and nationwide access.”
Eddy Rizk, Philips Ultrasound Business Leader for META, noted the project aligns with Rwanda’s two-decade health progress: “Portable devices and training will enhance quality of life by addressing gaps in care.”
The partners will continue working with Rwanda’s Ministry of Health to optimize device usage.
