Israel is known for its advanced technology and innovation, especially in the field of health care. But how does the country cope with the challenges of providing medical services in times of war and conflict? How does it use its technological edge to improve the health and well-being of its citizens and allies? In this article, we will explore some of the remarkable achievements and initiatives of Israeli health tech in wartime, and how they reflect the resilience and creativity of the nation.
A Biblical Quality Hackathon
One of the recent examples of Israeli health tech in wartime is the Biblical Quality Hackathon, a 72-hour event that took place in November 2023, amid the ongoing tensions and rocket attacks from Gaza. The hackathon, organized by the Jerusalem College of Technology (JCT, the Israel Innovation Authority, and the Ministry of Health, brought together over 500 participants from different backgrounds and sectors, including students, academics, entrepreneurs, developers, designers, and medical professionals. The goal was to create innovative solutions for the health challenges faced by Israel and the world, such as Covid-19, mental health, aging, and emergency preparedness.
The hackathon was inspired by the biblical verse: “And you shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and your water, and I will remove sickness from your midst” (Exodus 23:25). The organizers wanted to harness the power of faith and technology to create a positive impact on society and humanity. The event was also supported by several partners and sponsors, such as Microsoft, IBM, Intel, and OurCrowd, who provided mentors, judges, prizes, and resources for the participants.
The hackathon resulted in over 100 projects, ranging from apps and platforms to devices and algorithms. Some of the winning ideas included:
- BreatheEasy, a device that monitors the respiratory rate and oxygen saturation of Covid-19 patients at home, and alerts the medical staff in case of deterioration.
- Moodi, an app that uses artificial intelligence and natural language processing to analyze the emotional state of users based on their voice and text messages, and provides personalized feedback and support.
- EpiSave, a smart bracelet that detects epileptic seizures and automatically administers medication through a needleless injection system.
- Hearo, a wearable device that enhances the hearing of soldiers and civilians in noisy environments, such as battlefields and concerts, and protects them from hearing damage.
A Resilient Health System
Another aspect of Israeli health tech in wartime is the resilience and adaptability of its health system, which has been tested and proven in various scenarios and crises. Israel has developed a comprehensive and integrated approach to emergency preparedness and response, which involves the coordination and collaboration of multiple stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Health, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Magen David Adom (MDA), the Home Front Command, and the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA). These entities work together to ensure the continuity and quality of health services, the protection and safety of the population, and the rapid and effective deployment of resources and personnel.
Some of the key features of Israel’s resilient health system include:
- A network of underground hospitals that can withstand rocket attacks and chemical weapons, and provide shelter and treatment for thousands of patients and staff.
- A fleet of mobile intensive care units (MICUs) that can reach any location in the country within minutes, and provide advanced life support and stabilization for the critically injured.
- A system of telemedicine and remote monitoring that can connect patients and doctors across distances and borders, and provide diagnosis, consultation, and follow-up.
- A pool of trained and experienced volunteers that can assist the professional medical teams in various tasks, such as triage, evacuation, and first aid.
- A culture of innovation and improvisation that can generate new ideas and solutions for emerging and complex problems, such as Covid-19, cyberattacks, and mass casualty incidents.
A Global Leader In Health Tech
Beyond its own borders, Israel is also a global leader and partner in health tech, especially in developing and low-resource settings. Israel has a long history of providing humanitarian aid and medical assistance to countries in need, such as Haiti, Nepal, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. Israel has also established collaborations and partnerships with various organizations and institutions, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations (UN), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), to share its knowledge and expertise, and to support the advancement and adoption of health tech solutions.
Some of the examples of Israeli health tech in the global arena include:
- Mobileye, a company that develops computer vision and machine learning technologies for autonomous driving and collision avoidance, and has partnered with the WHO to improve road safety and reduce traffic fatalities.
- Zebra Medical Vision, a company that uses artificial intelligence and deep learning to analyze medical images and detect diseases, and has partnered with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to provide affordable and accessible radiology services in Africa and Asia.
- Sight Diagnostics, a company that develops blood testing devices that use machine vision and artificial intelligence to perform complete blood count (CBC) tests in minutes, and has partnered with the UN to fight malaria and anemia in Uganda and Ghana.
- ReWalk Robotics, a company that develops exoskeletons and wearable robots that enable paraplegics and people with mobility impairments to walk again, and has partnered with the MIT to develop soft robotic suits that can assist stroke survivors and elderly people.
Israeli health tech in wartime is a testament to the spirit and vision of the country, which strives to overcome the challenges and threats it faces, and to use its technological edge and innovation to improve the health and well-being of its people and the world. Israeli health tech in wartime is also a source of inspiration and hope for other countries and communities that struggle with similar or different issues, and seek to create a better and healthier future for themselves and others.
