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Healthcare providers get new technology

Hospitals across the region are investing millions of dollars in the latest medical technology.

In Abu Dhabi, Mubadala Development, a government investment arm, has just signed a US $21.7 million contract with Siemens to build and operate a specialist molecular imaging centre (MIC). The centre, set to open in the second half of 2008, will make use of Siemens' PET CT diagnostic system and the Cyclotron radioisotope delivery system.
PET CT (Positron Emission Tomography - Computed Tomography) technology is used in the early detection of cancer, cardio-vascular and neurological diseases. It can potentially can save time and money, and boost patients' chances of survival.

Waleed Al Mokarrab Al Muhairi, spokesperson for Mubadala Development, said: "We are excited to begin this co-operation with Siemens, a widely respected brand name in the global healthcare solutions marketplace. Together, we will provide the healthcare sector in the region with sophisticated and unparalleled molecular imaging and diagnostic services, leveraging on the world-class facilities offered by the centre."

In Riyadh, Royal Philips Electronics and Al Faisaliah are to supply an advanced healthcare solution to Specialised Medical Centre (SMCH). The multi-million dollar deal will include a cardiovascular X-ray flat panel solution (Allura FD20), a Cardiac CT scanner (CT 64) and Philips' web based picture archive and communication system, iSite.

"We are very satisfied with the support Al Faisaliah and Philips are offering us with equipment and services as well as the way we co-operate in developing our private hospital," said Hani Charani, CFO of SMCH. "For SMCH, this deal is another expression of our trust in our collaboration and the innovativeness of both Al Faisaliah and Philips Medical Systems."

Also in Riyadh, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC) has boosted its oncology department by adding an m₃ High-Resolution Multileaf Beam Shaper for more precise radiotherapy treatments. The system, developed by Germany's BrainLAB, allows the hospital to treat cancer patients with lesions in the brain and the body more effectively with radiosurgery.

Further investment is in the pipeline. Dr Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Centre, a leading name in KSA's healthcare sector, is opening a centre in Dubai Healthcare City in March. The International Finance Corporation, an arm of the World Bank, is lending US $37 million to Saudi German Hospitals Group to help it open new hospitals in Sana'a, Yemen and Cairo, Egypt.

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