At the Mohammed VI International University Hospital in Marrakech, medical imaging supports some of the most demanding areas of care. Prof. Hicham Jalal, Head of the Radiology Department at the Woman–Mother–Child–Newborn Pole, has spent his career building imaging capabilities to serve women, children, and families across the region.

"I had a marked interest in female imaging and pediatrics," Prof. Jalal explains. "Because working with the mother and the child is something noble and it has no price."

The Mohammed VI International University Hospital, inaugurated in 2001, is a major academic and clinical center for Marrakech and southern Morocco. When Prof. Jalal first joined the radiology service, demand was already high. "First, when I started, there was a great deal of work to be done," he recalls. "But unfortunately, the service was not well equipped, with cutting-edge technology."

For a university hospital, closing that gap was essential.

The installation of the United Imaging uMR Omega, a 75 cm ultra-wide bore 3-tesla MRI system, marked a turning point. With one of the largest bore sizes in the industry, the system provides more space and comfort for patients while giving technologists greater flexibility, supporting a broader range of clinical applications without sacrificing image quality. "I am very proud and happy to have the United Imaging uMR Omega," Prof. Jalal says. "First of all, it will allow us to be independent, to do our own clinical services. Second, we have cutting-edge technology. We can work in the field of research, optimizing the sequences of the 3 Tesla."

With advanced imaging in place, the department is expanding its clinical scope. "Then we will try to develop targeted imaging, particularly in pediatric neuroradiology, osteoarticular imaging and essentially also breast and female pelvic imaging," he explains. These areas are critical for improving diagnostic quality and long-term care for women and children.

Education remains a central responsibility of the department. "It was essentially also to work on continuing the training of residents," Prof. Jalal says.

Beyond the hospital, Prof. Jalal views healthcare development in a broader regional context. "Morocco is a country that is booming." He believes shared experience can accelerate progress. "I believe that China can share with us the incredible experience it has gained over the years, allowing our population to benefit from it, especially with United Imaging."

Looking ahead, collaboration carries responsibility. "Then, under the guidance of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, this partnership, this opening to Africa, it has become an obligation," he says. "It will be beneficial for Morocco and for Africa."