Albertans waiting for an MRI could see faster access to diagnostic imaging as the provincial government expands the use of artificial intelligence in hospitals.
Credit: Charlss GonzHu
Alberta announced Thursday an investment of nearly $14 million to introduce AI technology on more MRI scanners across the province. The goal is to increase MRI capacity by 20 per cent, allowing hospitals to complete more than 41,000 additional scans each year.
Rather than purchasing entirely new MRI machines, the province is installing the technology directly on existing scanners to make examinations shorter while maintaining clear medical images.
How Will AI Make MRI Scans Faster?
The Health Canada-approved technology improves image clarity and reduces the time required to complete an MRI examination.
Shorter appointments mean health care teams can scan more patients using the equipment they already have, potentially reducing the time Albertans spend waiting for diagnostic services.
The province has already tested the approach. Since a pilot project began in April 2025, AI technology installed on 10 MRI scanners across Alberta has allowed hospitals to complete nearly 12,000 additional scans.
Alberta is now expanding the program provincewide, with full implementation expected in 2028.
What Does This Mean for Patients?
Per the news release. the anticipated benefit is quicker access to MRI appointments and shorter examinations, without compromising the imaging quality clinicians need for diagnosis and treatment.
Adriana LaGrange, Alberta’s Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services, said the investment builds on the province’s recent increase in diagnostic imaging services.
“We are committed to helping Albertans get the diagnostic scans they need sooner,” LaGrange said.
The province also addressed patient privacy concerns. According to the government, the AI technology operates directly on MRI scanners and does not send medical images, patient records or personal information to external networks.
The expansion follows a record year for publicly funded diagnostic imaging in Alberta.
During 2025–26, the province completed:
- More than 280,000 MRI scans
- Nearly 700,000 CT scans
- More than 1.85 million X-rays
Compared with the previous year, publicly funded MRI volumes increased by four per cent, while CT scans rose by eight per cent.
Dr. Sayeh Zielke, interim chief executive officer of Acute Care Alberta, said the technology helps make better use of existing MRI resources as demand continues to grow.
The rollout will be managed through Acute Care Alberta’s Diagnostic Imaging Alberta program, with the additional scanning capacity expected to become available as implementation progresses toward 2028.