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Years after the shock of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare organisations still lack qualified personnel. The World Economic Forum estimates a projected shortfall of 10 million healthcare workers worldwide by 2030. Decision-makers at healthcare facilities hope to address the medical staff shortage with artificial intelligence.

Electronic health records systems are the most widely used healthcare-specific software in nearly all US hospitals. Healthcare specialists have access to a wide variety of EHR system features that cover the needs of multiple medical specialities. At the same time, clinicians often complain that electronic document management takes up a large portion of their time, as they usually need to fill in multiple forms. This leads to reduced time clinicians spend communicating with patients and increased overtime and burnout. Artificial intelligence can help solve this particular problem and assist clinicians in other aspects of their everyday tasks.

Patient data collection and structurisation

Writing comprehensive clinical notes and filling in patient forms are routine and time-consuming activities that medical professionals have to do every day. AI-powered tools can streamline both of these processes.

For example, EHR systems with voice recognition technology allow healthcare professionals to automatically input clinical notes into the system. Thanks to powerful voice-to-text capabilities, medical personnel can focus on patients without being distracted by typing notes on the computer, enabling natural conversation flow. After the consultation, clinicians only need to check the text captured by AI to avoid mistakes.

The system then can perform a routine form-filling task instead of clinicians: it detects and extracts important patient details from clinical notes, which doctors take during the consultation, and then fills out necessary forms with patient data. Relevant data can also be extracted from other sources of information. Such sources can include patient portals, health and wellness apps, and insurance contracts. However, it is crucial to remember that personal information processing cannot be executed without prior consent from the patient, regardless of its source.

Clinical data analysis for diagnostic and treatment support

Many EHR systems include a native analytics and reporting module for everyday clinical decision-making support. If such a module is enhanced with artificial intelligence, healthcare specialists can use it for a variety of purposes, including:

• detecting recurrent patterns in health metrics and behaviours;
• finding anomalies in patients’ vitals or symptoms;
• classifying the condition according to the International Classification of Diseases;
• detecting possible harmful interactions of medications;
• projecting the course of the particular disease or chronic condition;
• predicting possible health outcomes for different treatment plans.

AI can sift through patient data in minutes instead of the hours doctors spend finding and analysing the same amount of information. The findings are then presented in a user-friendly format to medical specialists who make diagnostic and treatment decisions.

The system can also review treatment plans and compare them with industry best practices and patient medical information. Any potential conflicts will be flagged to alert a treating clinician. An example of such a conflict would be a physician prescribing medication mentioned in a patient’s medical profile as an allergen or already prescribed by a different specialist. This approach helps doctors make more accurate decisions faster, personalising patient care and improving patient safety.

Virtual assistants for enhanced patient engagement

Currently, most EHRs have patient portals that allow patients to manage their health information, as well as view test results and treatment plans, get medication prescriptions, and find answers to frequently asked questions. Sometimes, such portals facilitate doctor-patient communication via chat.

Supplementing patient portals with intelligent chatbots can help patients receive a more personalised experience, easily find relevant information, and get help from a medical professional faster. AI-based bots can interact with a patient via chat, providing the requested information in a natural, easy-to-understand format. They can also extract valuable patient details from the conversation and input them into the EHR system. Intelligent bots can notify medical professionals if they detect key words or phrases in conversations, indicating that the patient's condition is dangerous. Such chatbots free up healthcare organisations’ contact center personnel and medical professionals, while ensuring that each patient receives attention and timely care.

So, what does the future hold for AI-supplemented EHR solutions?

Most healthcare organisations are at the beginning of their journey to implement AI-enhanced EHR software. While the benefits of such solutions are undeniable, there are still many challenges associated with their adoption.

Data privacy and security remain a major concern in the healthcare industry. While software providers must deliver EHR systems supplemented with robust security capabilities to withstand modern cyber threats, healthcare organisations must use such software according to the most recent security guidelines and regulations. Eliminating bias in AI algorithms is yet another challenge. It is crucial to avoid inaccurate diagnostic or treatment decisions due to the poor performance of AI models.

Following explainable AI principles is the best way for EHR software developers and healthcare organisations to minimise the possibility of AI-related security breaches and biased treatment. Finally, the cost of AI-enhanced EHR system implementation remains high. Healthcare organisations with limited budgets have to carefully evaluate which AI-enhanced features they want to enable within their EHR system. They often need experienced consultants’ assistance to optimise implementation costs and gain the most value from their software.

On a brighter note, AI capabilities will surely expand. More sophisticated algorithms will lead to minimised bias, better data analysis, accurate risk prediction, and personalised treatment approaches. As AI becomes a common part of EHR solutions, it will likely become more affordable. This, in turn, will improve healthcare professionals’ working conditions, positively influence their job satisfaction, and help provide better care to patients.

Mariia Kovalova is a Healthcare Technology Researcher at Itransition, a custom software development company headquartered in the US.

Back to Technology

Infertility is a complex issue that affects millions of couples worldwide, yet discussions surrounding it often gravitate toward the female experience. However, recent research and medical insights have brought to light the significant role that men play in infertility, challenging the prevailing narrative and highlighting the need for greater attention to male reproductive health. Men contribute to 40 to 50 per cent of all infertility cases, underscoring the importance of considering both partners in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility, rather than exclusively concentrating on women.

It’s no secret that even the most competent healthcare system can become strained under increasing demands — and healthcare systems globally have been so for some time. During the recent unprecedented weather conditions in the UAE, Emirates Health Services had to handle 12,795 communications - comprising 11,125 calls, 1,120 chats through their website, and 550 emails — over the course of a few days.

Healthcare workers have long felt escalating pressures to provide prompt and accurate care to the most vulnerable populations. Stress, exhaustion, burnout, and anxiety were the most often reported mental health impacts among health and care workers globally throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. According to UAE University research, medical students in the UAE are becoming more susceptible to burnout; 77 per cent of participants in the study screened positively for burnout.

The healthcare workforce is also dwindling, with the World Economic Forum’s projections suggesting a deficit of approximately 10 million healthcare workers worldwide by 2030. Likewise, with healthcare being an essential part of the “We the UAE 2031” vision, the UAE may require over 33,000 nurses and allied health professionals by 2030.

Amid these challenges, artificial intelligence (AI) presents a burgeoning opportunity. Recognised as a pivotal industrial revolution, AI is poised to inject Dh335 billion into the UAE’s economy by 2030.

In everyday life, generative AI tools like ChatGPT have already provided immediate answers to millions in personal and professional realms.

In healthcare, AI's impact stands to be profound, enhancing disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Scientists have found that artificial intelligence-supported breast screening detected — 20 per cent more cancers compared with the double reading of mammograms by two radiologists and matching patients with optimal antidepressants by analysing brain activity data.

Addressing staff shortages will require time, policy revisions, and intensive training. However, the sector can’t afford to wait for those resolutions. It’s critical to evaluate the areas AI can lighten daily duties for medical professionals to enhance patient care efficiency.

For example, integrating AI into healthcare operations offers real-time access to essential patient information, streamlines administrative tasks, and improves care delivery before, during and after patient visits. Tools like chatbots powered by intelligent generative AI can handle routine inquiries, allowing patients to obtain appointment details and hospital information independently, leaving nurses to more pressing matters.

Furthermore, AI can enhance personalisation in healthcare by integrating with clinical decision-support systems and existing medical records, providing tailored responses based on a patient's history — without the need to extensively question the patient enquiring.

Make no mistake, humans always come first — and when AI reaches its limits, it can seamlessly transfer tasks to appropriate staff, using patient data and natural language processing to ensure efficient service delivery.

While AI is not a substitute for professional healthcare, its role as a support tool is invaluable, helping to manage front desk operations and elevate patient experiences. It creates avenues to allow the healthcare system to offset the impact of day-to-day resourcing challenges, boost efficiencies in patient handling, and safeguard the well-being of the UAE’s patients.

Assaad Yazbeck is the Account Director at Avaya.

Back to Management

Nuclear medicine marks a pivotal advancement in healthcare, offering exceptional sensitivity to abnormalities in organs and enabling early detection and treatment of cancers, including thyroid and liver cancer. Adding to this innovative field is the Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, where groundbreaking techniques and a multidisciplinary approach converge to deliver unparalleled patient care, bringing hope for safe, painless, and cost-effective treatment of various diseases.

In nuclear medicine, radioactive tracers are prepared in specialised hot labs, where specific pharmaceutical powder gets mixed with radioactive material to be used to diagnose and treat a multitude of conditions.

A prime example is the use of radioactive iodine for thyroid cancer treatment. Thyroid cancer is three times more common in women than men. It is mostly prevalent among women aged between 40 and 60 years and men who are 60 to 80 years old.

This targeted therapy involves giving a patient a pill containing radioactive iodine, which predominantly accumulates in the thyroid gland, where it destroys the affected thyroid tissue, effectively treating the cancer. Patients are usually required to follow isolation protocols for a few days to ensure safety due to the minimal radiation exposure.

Mohammed Alotaibi, a leading technologist at the Imaging Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, emphasises the significant role of this technology in patient care. “Radioactive iodine therapy is a fundamental treatment for thyroid cancer, providing a non-surgical option that decreases thyroid activity. This approach is minimally invasive and proven to be highly effective, supporting patient recovery with minor side effects.”

The scope of nuclear medicine extends beyond thyroid cancer treatment into innovative therapies, like yttrium-90 transarterial radioembolisation (TARE), also known as Y90. Y90 therapy involves using beta-emitting radioactive material to treat liver cancer. By injecting Y90 directly into the liver, the therapy targets and eradicates cancerous cells while preserving healthy tissue. This precision reduces the risk of collateral damage and enhances recovery.

The technological progress in nuclear medicine at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is underpinned by a multidisciplinary team of specialists. Collaborating closely are radiologists, oncologists, medical physics experts, and nuclear medicine experts, who ensure comprehensive care from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up. “By utilising state-of-the-art tracers and imaging techniques, we can offer early diagnosis and more effective treatments, leading to better long-term outcomes,” adds Alotaibi.

As nuclear medicine continues to evolve, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi remains at the top, integrating the latest research and technologies to provide superior complex care. With each innovation, its Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging Program opens new avenues of hope for patients, underscoring its commitment to transforming healthcare through science and compassion.

Back to Clinical

Arab Health 2024 was a resounding success, with exhibitors showcasing groundbreaking technologies, cutting-edge medical equipment, and transformative innovations. The event drew a global audience, providing a platform for industry leaders to highlight their advancements and forge meaningful connections. Below, exhibitors share their experiences, emphasising the significance of Arab Health for their businesses and expressing their commitment to returning for the 50th edition next year.

Spotlight on hospital and community equipment

Givas is an Italian company based in the north of Italy. It specialises in manufacturing hospital equipment, including hospital beds, pediatric beds, and stretchers, designed to meet the highest standards of healthcare facilities.

At Arab Health 2024, Givas highlighted several groundbreaking products. The star of their showcase was the innovative fully electrical armchair designed for dialysis or chemotherapy. This armchair is equipped with a unique scale system that enhances patient comfort and care efficiency. Additionally, Givas presented its versatile stretchers, which can be operated electrically or manually. These stretchers feature an electric fifth-wheel drive system, making it easier to move and position patients. Their range of hospital beds also garnered significant attention.

Chiara De Marchi, a representative for Givas, expressed her satisfaction with her company’s participation in Arab Health over the years. She said the exhibition has consistently been a fruitful platform for the company, allowing them to connect with distributors, suppliers, and healthcare professionals.

Chiara De Marchi

The UAE market holds strategic importance for Givas, shared De Marchi. Participating in Arab Health enables the company to gain valuable insights into the local market dynamics and compare them with the Italian and broader European markets. As Arab Health is held at the beginning of the year, it provides an excellent opportunity for Givas to refine its marketing strategies, pricing, and product focus for the year ahead.

Enhancing healthcare standards

Chemical engineers G. Chandra Mouleshwar Reddy, Founder; Nirosha Reddy, Co-founder; and Sandeep Reddy Karla, Director-International Sales, Aspire Global Healthcare, founded the company in 2016. It specialises in advanced sterilisation equipment.

"We are into the R&D of sterilisation equipment that mainly goes into hospital requirements, such as air and surface disinfection systems, apart from using regular chemicals," explained Chandra Mouleshwar Reddy. Aspire's innovative approach integrates UV technology with bipolar ionisation, offering a patented system that addresses hospital-acquired infections effectively. "We have ceiling and wall-mounted units that can be used in critical and non-critical areas like hospitals, where there are more surgical site infections and hospital-acquired infections," added Reddy.

Sandeep Reddy Karla, Nirosha Reddy, G. Chandra Mouleshwar Reddy

This year marked Aspire Global Healthcare's debut at Arab Health. "This was our first time at the show, and we had some good enquiries from companies in the GCC, Europe, and Canada," said Sandeep Reddy Karla. The team was pleasantly surprised by the level of interest from visitors. "As a first-timer, this is definitely way beyond what we expected. We also appreciate the support provided by Informa Markets. We hope to launch more products at the show next year," Karla added.

The UAE market is strategically important to Aspire Global Healthcare. "UAE, particularly Dubai, connects the East and West markets," noted Nirosha Reddy. Aspire has registered itself as a local company in the UAE, aiming to establish itself as a key player in the MENA and African regions.

Aspire Global Healthcare, backed by renowned Neurosurgeon Dr. Danunjaya Rao Ginjupally, is continuously expanding its product portfolio, now encompassing six distinct product ranges. The company is also in the process of launching a completely automated robotic system with AI capabilities. This innovation is expected to revolutionise hospital sterilisation processes, further cementing Aspire's position in the market.

Innovating breast cancer treatment

Xcision Medical Systems introduced a groundbreaking advancement in breast cancer treatment at Arab Health 2024: the Gammapod. This device is the first of its kind, specifically dedicated to breast stereotactic radiation therapy.

Michelle Crawley, President of Xcision Medical Systems, highlighted the strategic importance of Arab Health. She said: “Dubai is a crossroads where people are focused on doing good business. And Arab Health is a great platform for discussion, as some of the world's most pressing health-related problems are highlighted here. Breast cancer is now becoming quite prevalent, and the undiagnosed cases are a big problem.”

Michelle Crawley

Gammapod represents Xcision’s pioneering efforts in medical technology. Crawley explained: “Gammapod is Xcision’s first product; our other products that are under development are a few years away. Medical devices take a long time to bring to market. But Gammapod is FDA-cleared and CE-marked; it is a technology that will transform the way that breast cancer is treated and the way that patients view screening. Gammapod is a non-invasive and non-painful treatment that does not leave you disfigured and isn't a big financial burden, and that's really what we want to do to help solve this public health problem.”

Since receiving FDA clearance almost five years ago, Gammapod has been used to treat patients at four sites worldwide. Crawley emphasised the device's global reach and standard of care: “We have four sites around the world that have been treating patients since our FDA clearance. This is a standard of care you can get in the United States and Europe. We are excited to bring it to the Middle East,” she added.

Crawley shared her positive experience at Arab Health, noting the strong interest in Gammapod from various regions. “Our booth was put together by our distributor in this region, Med Capital, who are building the Seibel Breast Cancer Center in Dubai. At Arab Health, I also met with distributors from India, the UK, Europe, Australia, Indonesia, and Egypt. I would say this is the most successful business show I've ever been to,” she concluded.

Pioneering hemostatic solutions

CuraMedical, a Dutch company renowned for its absorbable hemostats, has made significant strides in the medical field by supplying these crucial products to 65 countries worldwide. Fred J. Hoogland, Director of Marketing & Sales, shared insights into the company’s operations and vision. "We specialise in absorbable hemostats and manufacture them ourselves in the Netherlands," he explained.

CuraMedical has been a longstanding participant in Arab Health, and this year was no different. Fred highlighted the importance of the event: "We have been participating in Arab Health for many years, and I have seen it grow. The halls here are filled with many visitors. We are utilising the exhibition as a meeting point for existing customers."

Fred J. Hoogland and Eric Hoogland

The UAE market is strategically important to CuraMedical. Fred emphasised this point by discussing their partnership with City Pharmacy: "Almost two years ago, we started with the new distributor, City Pharmacy, a very strong company in Dubai and the Emirates. We have a successful partnership with them."

At Arab Health, CuraMedical showcased its innovative product, TenaTac. Eric Hoogland, Quality, Regulatory Affairs and Operations Manager, provided details on this groundbreaking product: "We launched TenaTac in 2019, a gelatin patch with adhesive properties. It is a unique product that can transform the adhesive product market because this product is a gelatin sponge that has been mechanically modified, making it really adhesive to tissue. We are also investigating if it has sealing properties, which is exciting for the future."

Highlighting latest products

Rowad Medical Services is a prominent Saudi-based company dedicated to distributing medical equipment, particularly those related to infection control. In addition to distributing products, the company manufactures blood collection tubes and antiseptic solutions and is on the verge of expanding into the production of medical furniture. "We currently import medical furniture from Russia and distribute it," shared Lama Al Deeb, the representative of Rowad Medical Services.

Lama Al Deeb

This year marked Rowad Medical Services' fourth consecutive participation in Arab Health. Al Deeb highlighted the significance of the event for their company: "We like to participate in this event because it brings people from all around the world together. We come here to seek more exposure and to explore partnerships in new technologies and innovation."

At their stand, they showcased a remarkable UV-C Surface Disinfectant, a product currently used in all Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals in Saudi Arabia. "We also have a patent on that, which gives us a competitive advantage," Al Deeb noted, emphasising Rowad Medical Services' unique position in the market. The product received considerable interest from attendees, underscoring its importance and effectiveness in infection control.

Looking ahead, Rowad Medical Services is poised to introduce hyperbaric oxygen therapy to its product lineup. "We have noticed a lot of demand for this product," Al Deeb mentioned, indicating the company's proactive approach to meeting market needs.

Eyeing growth in GCC

Established in 1954 by King Faisal II, the Iraqi Pharmaceutical Industry Company has long been a cornerstone of pharmaceutical manufacturing in Iraq. Over the decades, the company has undergone significant transformations, with a major renovation and expansion in 2016 marking a new era of growth and innovation.

"Now, we are the only factory that produces oncology products in solid form in Iraq, and we're expanding throughout the GCC," said Wael L. Mirza, Board Member of the company.

Wael L. Mirza

The company's participation in Arab Health was a strategic move to showcase its advancements and connect with industry leaders. "We came to Arab Health to participate and show the world where we are today and how Iraqi manufacturers are growing in the GCC," Mirza explained.

The event provided an ideal platform for the company to highlight its achievements and future plans. "We welcomed a lot of visitors to our stand. Arab Health is one of the best events in the healthcare industry, so it's a good opportunity to showcase your products. I recommend participating to everyone in the industry," he added.

The UAE holds a pivotal role in the company’s expansion strategy. The country's status as a central hub for business and trade makes it a crucial market for the Iraqi Pharmaceutical Industry Co. The company is actively working with the UAE ministry to register its products, a key step towards supplying the UAE and the broader GCC region.

Shedding light on healthcare excellence

Al-Ahli Hospital is Qatar's largest private healthcare institution. "We have all the services and 31 specialities, apart from oncology," said Mohamad Charanek, Head of Marketing and Business Development. The hospital is widely regarded as one of the best in the region, providing top-tier medical care with a team of 180 doctors and 250 inpatient beds, with plans to expand to 400 inpatient beds. Al-Ahli Hospital is equipped with the most advanced technology, including state-of-the-art MRI radiology screening systems.

Mohamad Charanek

At Arab Health, Al-Ahli Hospital promoted its comprehensive medical services and groundbreaking initiatives. The first is their Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system, which was developed in-house by the IT department. "It's quite advanced tech. It has the future of integration with all the insurance companies we deal with," Charanek explained. This system includes features for doctors, allied health professionals, nurse assistants, and pharmacy inventory management. A unique selling point is that patients have direct and instant access to their medical records. Al-Ahli Hospital aims to sell this innovative system internationally, regionally, and across the GCC.

The second initiative is an awards program accredited by the Government of Qatar to honour pioneering Arab doctors worldwide. The award recognises doctors who have contributed significantly to medical research and practice. "There is a committee of professors and doctors who will study all the profiles of the nominees, and then they will select the best doctor," he added. The first edition of this award took place at the end of April 2024 and will be an annual event.

This year, Al-Ahli Hospital took a significant step by participating as an exhibitor at Arab Health rather than just attending as a visitor. The hospital received numerous potential business inquiries and met doctors interested in joining their team. Additionally, they connected with technology suppliers. The experience was highly beneficial, and Al-Ahli Hospital looks forward to participating again next year.

Specialised products

Meber is an Italian company that manufactures emergency medical equipment for pre-hospital and rescue scenarios. "We manufacture stretchers, stair chairs, and everything else that goes into an ambulance," explained Luca Rattotti, Export Area Manager at Meber.

Luca Rattotti and Noemi

The company has a longstanding presence at Arab Health and has participated for over 15 years. "It's my second time here. Compared to last year, there is a much larger crowd at the exhibition, which is way busier. We received visitors who are our target audience, so we are very satisfied," added Rattotti.

The UAE market is of significant importance to Meber. "The UAE market is one of the most important for us. We have an exclusive distributor here," said Rattotti. “The region is a major source of revenue, prompting Meber to invest heavily and commit to this market. Arab Health serves as a crucial platform for Meber to engage with clients from around the world."

While Meber consolidated its range of offers this year, the company is excited about future innovations. The company is already planning its return to Arab Health with ambitions for a larger presence. "Next year, we want to highlight our motorised power stretcher.

We look forward to returning to Arab Health with a bigger booth and welcoming all the visitors, guests, and new clients," concluded Rattotti.

Don't miss the 50th edition of Arab Health next year! As the healthcare industry's most important event, Arab Health is instrumental in connecting regional and international policy leaders, thought leaders, and healthcare professionals through trade and innovation. Register your interest here.

Back to Management

Effective productive management strategies are comparable to the journey of a fitness enthusiast seeking to achieve peak health. In the same way that one would meticulously plan workouts, fine-tune dietary habits, and track progress, healthcare providers use a maze-like process to strategise, iterate, and collaborate to develop robust product management strategies. They combine clients' preferences and precision with adaptability, aiming not just for short-term gains, but for a long-term, impactful result similar to a flourishing fitness regimen.

To be most effective, a product management strategy needs to fill a gap in the market by providing a product that serves its customers in a way that its competitors are not addressing. Considering the target audience, how the new product will perform in the current market and how it can help achieve the company's overall goals is vital. This ensures new products have a lasting impact not only on a company's business but on its customers as well.

Ademola Ade-Serrano, medical doctor and innovation manager at PharmAccess Foundation, said: “Keep the health consumer and patient at the centre of your product design, development, and deployment. Doing this should ultimately lead to a product that improves health outcomes.”

From a survey of more than 5,000 product managers from around the world, about 75 per cent responded that best practices in product management are not being adopted at their companies, it is a fledgling function within their organisation, or that it was non-existent according to a survey conducted by McKinsey.

The healthcare business ecosystem is a peculiar one and product management strategies in healthcare require a delicate balance between innovation, compliance, and patient-centricity:

Deep understanding of user needs: Work with healthcare professionals, patients, and stakeholders to truly understand their pain points and needs. Tom Eisenmann, a professor of Business Administration at the Harvard Business School notes: “Many overlook a crucial step in the lean start-up process — researching customer needs before testing products. They keep rushing to launch fully functional offerings that do not fit any market needs. It is essential to conduct surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather insights and shape product development.”

Compliance and regulation adherence: Healthcare products must adhere to strict regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. Make certain that your product management processes incorporate these requirements from the beginning.

Iterative development with prototyping: Create prototypes or minimum viable products (MVPs) early in the process to collect feedback. Iterate and refine the product in response to user feedback using an agile approach.

Interoperability and integration: Healthcare products frequently require integration with pre-existing systems. To ensure seamless integration with electronic health records (EHR) and other healthcare infrastructure, prioritise interoperability standards such as HL7 and FHIR.

Usability and user experience (UX): Simplify complex interfaces and workflows for healthcare professionals. Intuitive design and user-friendly interfaces enhance adoption rates and overall satisfaction.

Data security and privacy: Make strong data security measures a priority to protect patient information. Processes need to be put in place to maintain trust in healthcare settings, encryption, access controls, and regular security audits which are highly essential.

Scalability and flexibility: To accommodate growing user bases or changing healthcare needs, products should be designed with scalability in mind. Adaptability allows for changes in healthcare settings or evolving requirements.

Ethical considerations: Ensure that technology is used ethically in healthcare. Maintain fairness, transparency, and accountability principles in the development and deployment of healthcare products.

Collaboration and partnerships: Encourage collaboration with other healthcare organisations, technology providers, and research institutions. Partnerships can help to accelerate innovation and expand the reach of your product.

Successful healthcare product management demands a profound grasp of industry complexities, prioritising patient welfare, alongside continuous education for seamless adoption and outcome measurement tracking.

Jennifer Orisakwe is a health researcher and data storyteller, who loves to explore the ways actions (and inactions) of healthcare stakeholders affect decision-making and outcomes.

Back to Management

Recovery from treatable illnesses or disabilities hinges on two crucial factors: the effectiveness of treatments and the overall quality of life experienced by patients. The fusion of technology and current trends in patient recovery and quality of life has significantly enhanced both these aspects.

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 2.4 billion people worldwide suffer from health conditions that can be improved through rehabilitation. Rehabilitation, addressing physical, mental, and emotional issues, is a pivotal component of patient recovery, substantially elevating the quality of life for individuals grappling with illnesses, injuries, or disabilities.

Advancements in technology are revolutionising rehabilitation processes, making them more effective and accessible. The burgeoning demand for non-invasive and cost-effective solutions has spurred the growth of the rehabilitation technology market, projected to reach US$35 billion by FY28.

Biopharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences recently announced a renewed partnership with KSA-based Cigalah Healthcare and expansion plans to advance patient care and access to medicine in Saudi Arabia through 2026.

The agreement includes a comprehensive distribution arrangement, with Cigalah Healthcare securing distribution rights for Gilead products across its various therapeutic areas.

Earlier this year, Gilead established and launched its fully operational affiliate in the Kingdom, Gilead Sciences Arabia, to enable direct access to healthcare providers and enhance patient support.

Vitor Papao, General Manager of Gilead Sciences, Middle East, commented: “Our ongoing partnership with Cigalah Healthcare is integral to our mission of expanding access to innovative treatments in the Kingdom. This is closely in line with Vision 2030, where the healthcare sector is undergoing transformation to meet the needs of every member of the society. Through our renewed agreement, we are well positioned to leverage Cigalah’s extensive network to reach even more patients.”

Yasser Yousuf Naghi, CEO of Cigalah, stated: "Gilead is a global leader in innovative pharmaceutical solutions for Virology, Infectiology, and Oncology. For Cigalah, this partnership offers the opportunity to gain valuable expertise in highly specialised and innovative therapy areas, to ultimately contribute towards the realisation of the Health Sector Transformation Program and serve our community."

Gilead reaffirms its commitment and continuous efforts to become an integrated partner in the regional healthcare sector, aligning with ambitious national visions for the realisation of healthcare goals. The renewal of this partnership underscores the company's dedication and is another step towards building a healthier future for all involved.

Back to Management

If the global healthcare sector were a country, it would rank as the fifth-largest greenhouse gas emitter on the planet. The operating room (OR) stands out as the primary energy consumer and waste producer, consuming up to six times more energy than other hospital areas and generating over half of the hospital's waste. As sustainability takes centre stage in the industry agenda, green surgery is emerging as a vital component in reducing hospitals' carbon impact worldwide. Carbon hotspots in the operating theatre include anaesthetic gases, energy, and single-use products.