Health Protected by Innovation: Leading Russian Doctors Conducted Free Screenings for Women in Uzbekistan Using a Unique Mammograph | Report

Women's health in Uzbekistan is protected by innovation: Russian doctors conducted free screenings using a unique mammography machine.

An innovative preventive screening model for women over 30 was presented in the Kibray district of Tashkent region. This initiative, dubbed the "Digital Screening - 30+" startup, utilizes a portable, radiation-free, electrical impedance computerized mammography machine (MEIK) and modern remote diagnostic technologies. A charity event combining preventive mammography and cardiac screening was held here on August 24-25, a collaboration between Russian doctors and Uzbekistan's primary healthcare system.

The screening results were discussed at a roundtable discussion attended by specialists led by Elmira Basitkhanova, Advisor to the Minister of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Nelly Sosedova, a biophysicist, medical cybernetics specialist, and one of the developers of the MEIK mammograph, as well as the CEO of Formed Group (manufacturer of the portable mammograph), presented a report on the screening results.

The startup's key feature was the use of the Russian-made MEIK portable mammograph, equipped with artificial intelligence algorithms. This device does not use X-rays, making it safe for young, pregnant, and breastfeeding women. The compact size of the equipment allows for screenings not only in medical facilities but also as mobile screening sites in mahallas, businesses, and rural areas.

An integrated screening format combining early detection of breast pathologies with cardiovascular risk assessment was introduced for the first time in the Kibraysky District. Russian specialists demonstrated the capabilities of mobile diagnostics, telemedicine, and digital systems for remotely assessing results and supporting medical decisions.

Ekaterina Kobyakova, an oncologist, advisor to the director of the N.A. Semashko National Research Institute of Public Health, and founder of ERNA (developer of a unique AI-based solution for automated ECG interpretation), presented new capabilities in cardiac screening.

She discussed the possibilities of cardiac diagnostics not only for women but also for measuring fetal heartbeat in pregnant women. These unique technologies are now available in Uzbekistan.

Scientifically proven, certain cardiovascular pathologies directly influence the development of breast cancer. Therefore, the presented screening project, which combines cardiovascular and breast assessment, allows not only for a current diagnosis but also for the classification of women in a risk group, enabling preventative measures and the early detection of late-stage diseases.

This unique technology, combining screening with AI, is one of the first in the world, implemented in Uzbekistan. The Digital Mammogram Screening Startup was initiated in 2025 by the Sharq Ayoli International Women's Public Foundation, in collaboration with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Tashkent State Medical University and ForMed, with the support of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Sharq Ayoli Chairperson Saodat Tursunbayeva emphasized that raising awareness among women about their health from a young age and regular preventive screening will reduce the burden on the healthcare system as a whole. Early-stage cancer treatment is now routine worldwide and is not a death sentence.

Three charity events offering free mammograms were held as part of the Startup: 88 women were screened at the Multidisciplinary Clinic in the Zangiata District of the Tashkent Region, 57 women at private clinics in Karshi, Kashkadarya Region, and 50 women in Angren, Tashkent Region.

A total of five gynecologists and four midwives were trained in these technologies and performed the work independently. Five women were diagnosed with abnormalities and immediately referred for further examination. One pregnant woman and one breastfeeding woman were examined based on their complaints.

The women who underwent the screening left extremely positive feedback and expressed gratitude to the doctors and project organizers for the opportunity to be examined close to home.

Following the event, a proposal was proposed to submit to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan for the launch of a mass preventive mammary screening program for women 30+, with the gradual introduction of mobile diagnostic technologies in the country's regions.

This initiative is considered one of the practical areas of the "360 Opportunities for Women" program, which aims to expand women's access to modern technologies for prevention, early diagnosis, and health maintenance.

The main idea of the project is to make preventive care accessible to women, regardless of whether they live in the capital, a district center, or a remote rural area.

The initial examination is performed by nurses, and doctors are connected remotely via telemedicine using AI algorithms, allowing screenings to be performed by mid-level and junior medical staff, with doctors also remotely involved in any suspicious cases.

During the pilot screening in the Kibray district, 88 women and 69 patients were screened free of charge for cardiology. The safety, simplicity, and speed of the device were noted to have delighted not only patients but also doctors.