Alberta’s government and Acute Care Alberta are expanding new Health Canada-approved artificial intelligence (AI) technology to reduce MRI scan times and improve access to diagnostic imaging across the province. Installed directly on existing MRI scanners in hospitals, the technology improves image clarity while shortening examinations, allowing health care teams to serve more patients each day.
“We are committed to helping Albertans get the diagnostic scans they need sooner. A record number of MRIs were completed last year, and this investment builds on that progress by increasing capacity, reducing wait times and improving access to the care Albertans need.”
“Finding ways to deliver care more efficiently is essential as demand for health care services continues to grow. This technology allows us to make better use of our existing MRI resources while maintaining the high-quality imaging clinicians rely on to diagnose and treat patients. It’s a practical innovation that is already helping more Albertans receive the care they need sooner.”
Since a pilot launched in April 2025, AI technology installed on 10 MRI scanners across Alberta has enabled nearly 12,000 additional scans. Building on these results, Alberta is expanding the use of this technology to meet growing demand for diagnostic imaging across the province.
This initiative builds on record diagnostic imaging volumes across Alberta. Last year, the province increased the number of publicly funded MRI scans by four per cent and delivered eight per cent more CT scans than the year prior. The province is expanding the number of scans completed in both acute care hospitals as well as community settings to meet growing patient demand.
This technology operates directly on each MRI scanner and does not transmit patient records, imaging data or personal information to outside networks. All patient information remains protected under Alberta’s strict privacy and security safeguards.
With full implementation expected in 2028, the provincewide rollout will make better use of existing MRI equipment, expand access to timely diagnostic services in acute care facilities and help more Albertans get the care they need.
Quick facts
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In 2025–26, Alberta completed a record number of publicly funded diagnostic imaging procedures, including:
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more than 280,000 MRI scans;
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nearly 700,000 CT scans; and
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more than 1.85 million X-rays.
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The initiative is delivered through Acute Care Alberta’s Diagnostic Imaging Alberta program.