Florida International Trade & Cultural Expo (FITCE) 2023 will open its doors from October 4 to 5 and welcome local and international companies for a unique opportunity to engage with key leaders and experts worldwide in international trade and foreign direct investment dialogues. Taking place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the event aims to expand awareness of Broward County as an import and export trading capital while helping to nurture existing businesses, establish new businesses and spur growth.

Broward County is the second largest county in the state of Florida, which is the third largest state in the United States. The medical device sector is one of the county’s important sectors as it reportedly has more medical device companies than other parts of the region.

Related: FIME 2023 instrumental in opening doors to Latin America

Paola Isaac Baraya, MSc, Economic Development Specialist – International Trade, Office of Economic and Small Business Development, Broward County, Florida, said: “FITCE is one of the largest shows organised by a government entity for multisectoral international trade in Florida. We also engage with private-sector collaborators to enhance the show. While it's multisectoral, we focus on a particular sector every year. This year, the focus is on life sciences, which includes pharma, medical device, MedTech, and biotech.

“As part of the government, we help companies to export to other markets and sectors. Medical device and life sciences are an important sector for us, and we want to focus on getting more opportunities for medical device companies.”

Baraya explained that FITCE brings together high-level government and business delegations from other countries for export opportunities and bilateral collaborations with Broward County. For instance, last year, the vice president of Honduras visited the show. Previously, former presidents from countries in Latin America, such as Bolivia, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Panama, have attended the show as the event acts as a gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean. Dignitaries from Africa, Middle East and Europe also attend the show.

The event will also feature an American & International Buyers panel, featuring hospital buyers looking to buy medical devices and where attendees can learn about the purchasing process of large institutions. The event is also attended by several Ministers of Health. For example, the Minister of Health from Belize is attending this year.

Revitalising pharmaceutical supply chain

Co-located with FITCE is the Life Sciences Industrial Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Symposium (LSIPMS), a healthcare alliance focused on public health emergencies and restructuring the pharmaceutical supply chain disruption in the US nation and abroad. LSIPMS’s goal is to contribute to and build a resilient pharmaceutical supply chain and to bring and help develop innovative products, manufacturing, and strategies to help reduce the burden of pharmaceutical drugs and products in the market and make them more accessible to patients in need.

Related: FIME 2023 takes the lead in giving back to the community

Lina Garcia, Director of LSIPMS 2023, said: “We are offering a comprehensive agenda that can help us provide solutions to the pharmaceutical supply chain to come out of the disruption suffered during the pandemic. Over 60 countries are participating in the event, bringing together international decision-makers under one roof, from government to academia and regulatory compliance agencies.”

One of the main topics of the agenda is to shed light on public health emergencies and the supply chain disruption that will help define the next generation of pharmaceutical supply chains in the US and worldwide. The event will see companies within the medical device, diagnostics, R&D, and pharmaceutical manufacturing join forces to find solutions for the future.

“The event will create a roadmap for how we can better prepare for the next pandemic or public health emergency. Our goal is to bring awareness and build a resilient pharmaceutical supply chain for the next generation,” Garcia concluded.

For more information, visit: https://www.broward.org/EconDev/conferences/Pages/FITCE.aspx and https://lsipms.com/

Broward County is a supporter of Informa Market’s Florida International Medical Expo (FIME) and works together to promote growth and solutions in the medical and life science sectors. For more info on FIME 2024, click here.

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Observed annually on September 29, World Heart Day comes as a reminder to prioritise heart health. The role healthcare businesses hold in improving heart health through quality metrics is an important one as it can directly help in reducing readmission rates for heart-related issues, improving patient satisfaction, and achieving better long-term outcomes.

Over the last three decades, cardiovascular quality indicators for inpatient care have evolved rapidly. Quality metrics in cardiovascular care are fundamentally intended to improve the quality of care provided to patients, hence improving patient outcomes such as mortality, hospital admission, and patient experience.

Cleveland Clinic’s Head of International Healthcare and Cardiologist Dr. Curtis Rimmerman and Mediclinic Parkview Hospital’s Consultant Family Medicine Dr. Mansour Anwar Habib share insights about the role of quality metrics in heart health and how wearables provide analysis support.

Measuring quality metrics specific to cardiovascular health

Dr. Rimmerman says that working with patients to develop a therapeutic plan and measure the relevant clinical results over the course of the patient's therapy establishes key performance indicators for common diagnoses and treatments that are delivered in a cardiovascular setting. “When I think of value-based care, I think of health outcomes per cost. It is about improving the efficiency of healthcare delivery and enhancing value. If we only focus on cost, outcomes may suffer, versus if only outcomes are prioritised the cost may go up. When we think about a patient’s adherence to their treatment plan, that is also where patient experience comes in. Managing patients through carefully conducted research and results, consensus guidelines, and then building performance indicators around those consensus guidelines, really drives outcomes,” he says.

Dr. Rimmerman emphasises that quality outcomes are important and patient experience also contributes to it. Patients today have a choice and can pick their provider, requesting available metrics for their diagnosis to make their decisions. Transparency of results in cost can give those patients peace of mind in knowing that they have chosen the best medical centre and begin their healthcare journey with upfront confidence.

Related: World Heart Day: Innovations in electrophysiology and LVAD technology

“At the Cleveland Clinic we perform carefully conducted clinical trials, which are typically randomised — not retrospective, but instead prospective. The clinical trials at our organisation and others establish guidelines for treatment. These guidelines form performance indicators or KPIs that are relevant to each specific diagnosis or treatment plan, following those performance indicators and forum performance, then feed into outcomes. We also factor in standard operating processes, and the efficiencies of care, perhaps reducing the number of vendors we work with for volume-based purchasing. This is to drive down the costs, shorten the length of stay, and reduce treatment complications, all of which will improve outcomes, and reduce cost,” he says.

Role of wearables in heart health quality metrics

Dr. Habib explains that different wearables have different algorithms and tools within them, to help monitor various aspects of the health parameters. “The Apple Watch for example when it comes to heart health has four interesting features. Number one, it captures if the heart rate goes above a certain limit that you set up in the device itself. The other aspect is if the heart rate goes below a certain threshold, and if it is consistent, it will also give an alert and that will nudge the patient.

“The third aspect is related to the irregularity of the heartbeat. Nowadays, people have different issues, one of them is related to the regularity and the rhythm of the heart, and one of the very common diseases that we can capture at an early stage is atrial fibrillation. This condition affects the part of the heart muscle wherein it beats in an uncontrollable way. If this occurs on a regular basis and is captured by the wearable, a notification goes out to the wearer, capturing it at the right time. The fourth aspect of heart health monitoring is the ECG or the EKG, it gives an indicator and insight if there any issue with the electricity of the heart,” he explains.

Related: From heart rates to mindfulness: the evolution of stress monitoring technology

Coming to quality metrics, Dr. Habib says important quality metrics pertain to the number of admissions, mortality rate and rise of complications. With technology’s support in the world of health, practitioners and patients can analyse an enhanced complication profile. For example, a case study in which a patient received frequent alerts of a high heart rate was due to blocked arteries. The alerts encouraged him to visit the hospital at the right time to receive the correct form of care to apply a stent and widen his blood pipes and arteries to avoid a more serious complication.  

“In this case, the patient may have suffered a heart attack and would have been hospitalised. The cost from a resource perspective would be more along with complications and prolonged recovery time. This would impact the productivity of the patient in his workplace, social aspect, and personal life. From a quality perspective, the more we leverage wearables and technology, the better we will be able to mitigate the long-term impact of the cost of mortality and productivity. In instances of sudden heart attacks, patients lose their lives, with wearables if indicators can be captured at an early stage, we can enhance quality of the human lives,” concludes Dr. Habib.

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World Heart Day, celebrated each year on September 29, serves as a global platform for raising awareness about heart diseases and empowering individuals to take control of their cardiovascular health. In today's rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the fusion of medical expertise with cutting-edge technology is at the forefront of reshaping the world of heart health. 

Dr. Fereidoon Shafiei, Staff Physician in the Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, emphasises the importance of diagnosing and preventing heart diseases for optimal cardiovascular well-being. He underscores the pivotal role of proactive healthcare measures in effectively managing heart-related risks and asserts that early diagnosis of heart disease is crucial for maintaining good cardiovascular health — and prevention starts at home. 

This proactive approach, according to Dr. Shafiei, revolves around adopting a healthy lifestyle. It entails priorities such as embracing whole foods, engaging in regular exercise (targeting 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity per week), gradually incorporating resistance training to support muscle health, blood sugar stability, and cholesterol management, and diligently managing stress levels. Dr. Shafiei also highlights the significance of quitting smoking and consulting with physicians for personalised care tailored to those with pre-existing risk factors. 

Related: Breaking down heart health barriers in UAE

With embracing a heart-healthy lifestyle, it is equally important to recognise the remarkable technological advancements that are transforming the diagnosis and treatment of heart-related conditions. Dr. Shafiei and Dr. Mitesh Badiwala, Staff Physician in the Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi delve into these groundbreaking innovations that are revolutionising heart health.

“Advancements in electrophysiology, along with the integration of wearable technologies, are reshaping the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders such as supraventricular tachycardias, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardias,” says Dr. Shafiei. He explains: “Electrophysiology, a specialised branch of cardiology, concentrates on the heart's electrical system and related treatments. Simultaneously, wearable technologies are playing a pivotal role in this medical evolution.”

These technologies encompass state-of-the-art 3D mapping systems and fluoroscopy-free ablation, offering a safer and more precise approach to diagnosing and treating cardiac arrhythmias. Importantly, they reduce radiation exposure for both patients and healthcare professionals. Additionally, wearable devices like smartwatches and monitors are enhancing diagnostic accuracy, enabling the early detection of abnormal heart rhythms and faster interventions.

“The synergy between electrophysiology and wearable technologies is fundamentally transforming how heart rhythm disorders are managed, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes. All types of heart rhythm disorders can be detected through these devices and immediate treatment can be initiated by electrophysiologists,” Dr. Shafiei adds.

Related: Challenging misconceptions around heart health in the Gulf

Another game changer in managing health conditions is the Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs), which are mechanical pumps that have a profound impact on patient outcomes as they serve diverse purposes to assist the left side of the heart in patients with heart failure.

“LVADs are a crucial treatment option for the sickest heart failure patients, providing both short-term and long-term support,” explains Dr. Badiwala. “They offer a lifeline for individuals who have exhausted other treatment options, whether it be as a bridge to transplant, a means of maintaining a patient's condition until transplantation becomes viable, or even as a destination therapy to enhance the quality of life and extend survival rate,” he says.

Over time, LVAD technology has evolved, becoming more compact and reliable. The newest generation of LVADs boasts promising survival rates, giving hope to patients facing dire cardiac conditions.

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Pharm Olufunto Olude pointed out: “There should be synergy between regulators and the healthcare providers for the key people we are working for. We do not have to work in silence anymore, we must co-create local solutions that have the ability to make an impact globally.”

Endurance Uwadaie lent his voice to the discourse as he highlighted: “Patients must be educated and informed about their rights. No decisions must be made without the end-user. We need to also bear in mind that when quality is denied when dealing with a patient, a hole can be dug in the patient’s life or family that might never be filled.”

 

Blood cancers are classified into three main types, each with several subtypes. The underlying cause is attributed to mutations in the DNA of blood cells that disrupt the normal control mechanisms that regulate cell growth, division and death. Dr. Wesam Ahmed, the Department Chair of Hematology, Medical Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, explains that “when DNA mutates or gives cells new instructions, the body sometimes develops abnormal blood cells that grow and multiply faster than normal” leading to an accumulation of abnormal cells in the bone marrow.

The exact triggers for genetic changes in blood cancers remain elusive, but researchers believe that a combination of genetic and environmental factors plays a role. Leukemia, for instance, may result from changes in chromosomes that affect genes responsible for cell growth and tumor suppression. Exposure to high levels of radiation or certain chemicals could contribute to these genetic alterations as well.

Related: Novel gene therapy demonstrates success in sickle cell patients

Symptoms of blood cancers vary based on the specific type but share common features, including fatigue, fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, frequent infections, swollen lymph nodes, and bone pain. Dr. Ahmed emphasises the importance of seeking medical attention when these symptoms persist.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Fatima bint Mubarak Center provides specialised multidisciplinary care for the diagnosis and treatment of malignant and non-malignant blood disorders. It adopts an integrated approach to the diagnosis and treatment which involves a thorough assessment of symptoms, medical history, and physical examinations. Various tests, tailored to the suspected blood cancer type, are employed to aid in accurate diagnosis. These tests include complete blood counts, blood chemistry tests, CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, bone marrow biopsies, and blood cell examinations.

Related: Advancements in CAR T-cell therapy and the need for strategic collaboration

Dr. Julieta Osorio Zuluaga, Clinical Associate Hematologist at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, highlights the significant technological advancements in blood cancer diagnosis and treatment that the healthcare industry has made. She emphasises: “Advancements in precision oncology including next-generation sequencing, molecular testing, as well as bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) therapy are not just incremental steps forward for the diagnosis and treatment of blood cancers; they are transformative leaps that empower us to understand and treat malignancies with a level of precision that was previously unimaginable.”

These technologies are not only changing the landscape of patient care but are also redefining the very paradigms of medical science.

Diagnostic technologies

Precision oncology leverages next-generation sequencing (NGS) to analyse the entire genome of cancer cells, providing insights into genetic mutations that guide precise diagnosis and tailored therapies. Molecular testing detects genetic mutations and changes in genetic material, aiding in early detection, prognosis determination, and treatment monitoring.

Treatment technologies

Immunotherapy emerges as a promising avenue, harnessing the body’s immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells. BiTE therapy, a form of immunotherapy, binds immune cells and cancer cells, enhancing the immune system’s ability to combat cancer.

The convergence of genetic insights and technological advancements holds the potential to revolutionise blood cancer treatment, offering new avenues for personalised care, leading to improved outcomes and increased hope for individuals battling blood cancers.

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Medic West Africa, the largest healthcare event in the region, kicked into action at Lagos' Landmark Centre on September 26 welcoming professionals and renowned leaders from across the region for the exchange of knowledge and networking opportunities. Conferences commenced with the HFN Healthcare Leadership Conference in partnership with the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria and the Immunology Conference. The exhibition featured an extensive array of exhibitors, including industry giants like Siemens Healthineers and GE Healthcare, alongside innovators such as Snibe Diagnostics and New Heights Pharmaceuticals.

It encompassed a broad spectrum of healthcare offerings, spanning from essential consumables to cutting-edge imaging equipment, from surgical advancements to prosthetic innovations. The exhibitors hailed from diverse corners of the globe, representing countries like Nigeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, South Korea, Germany, Italy, India, Turkey, UAE, UK, and many more, making it a truly international showcase of healthcare excellence.

Related: Entering New Markets: Unlocking Africa’s Medical Technology Potential

Dr. Pamela Ajayi, President of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN), set the tone by introducing the event's theme: "Igniting Change, Mobilising Healthcare in West Africa for a Sustainable Future”. She stressed the importance of universal health coverage and called for a collaborative approach from all healthcare stakeholders.

Keynote speaker Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, special advisor to the president on health, acknowledged that while the healthcare industry's growth is not yet satisfactory, there is room for improvement. She highlighted the Nigerian President's support for homegrown solutions and best practices, encouraging collaboration between the government and the private sector.

The session on "Universal Health Coverage (UHC): A Practical and Financially Viable Approach" featured insights from Dr. Mamessile Aklah of CAMEG, Togo, and Dr. Olumide Okunola of the International Finance Corporation. Dr. Okunola emphasised that achieving UHC is a political decision, urging the government to prioritise financially viable approaches for the greater good.

Panel discussions followed with a focus on "The Business of Healthcare — Public and Private Integration, Making It Work”. Dr. Richdson Ajayi, Executive Vice Chairman of Bridge Clinic, set the stage for engaging discussions. Panelists included Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, Dr. Jennifer Anyanti, Prof. Chimezie Anyakora, and Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, with Njide Ndili as moderator.

Related: Africa Health 2023: Bridging HIV research and multimorbidity at the 7th Public Health Conference

To cap it all, a timely panel session titled "Creating an Enabling Environment to Thrive in West Africa" was deftly moderated by Irene Nwaukwa, Managing Director of INC Consulting Africa. Visionaries in tech-driven healthcare, including Dr. Chibuzo Opara, Debo Adulana, Isaac Nkrumah, and Rory Assandey, shared insights and strategies for fostering tech-powered growth and innovation in the region.

The Immunology Conference on the other hand commenced with welcoming remarks by Dr. Akyala Ishaku, Director of the Global Health and Infectious Diseases Centre at Nasarawa State University, Nigeria. It featured four sessions, each focusing on critical aspects of infectious diseases and immunisation.

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The 7th Public Health in Africa Conference, set for 17-19 October 2023 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, arrives at a critical juncture in global health. This year's theme, "Population Health and Preventative Medicine," probes into urgent issues like non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, and, notably, the rising global epidemic of multimorbidity.

Adding weight to the discourse is Dr. Tshegofatso Maimela, a Public Health Medicine Specialist with the Gauteng Department of Health, who will focus on South Africa's trailblazing work in HIV research as it intersects with multimorbidity.

Dr. Maimela's recent research, conducted in Tshwane, South Africa, examined the link between HIV and COVID-19. Her findings showed that people living with HIV were not at an increased risk of mortality from COVID-19 – as was the concern regarding the pandemic due to the high prevalence of HIV in South Africa.

This work revealed how HIV affects the body's response to other diseases, which were indeed contributors to higher mortality and morbidity in COVID-19 disease outcomes.

Related: Inaugural Africa Health Indaba 2023: Pioneering a resilient future for Africa

These insights brought a fresh perspective on tackling multimorbidity and reducing negative population health outcomes due to lifestyle conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Her research underlines the need for healthcare strategies that go beyond siloed approaches to disease management and prevention. As such Dr. Maimela’s voice is a strident addition to the advocacy for a more comprehensive and integrated framework to address the multifaceted challenges of multimorbidity. 

“Understanding the complexities of multimorbidity states on conditions such as HIV, COVID-19, and other prevalent conditions improves our approach to managing the complex presentation of such conditions and the challenges of providing coordinated care for the many patients with multimorbidity profiles within our siloed health system,” Dr. Maimela says.

“We can no longer afford to treat diseases as isolated phenomena; we need to adopt a more holistic approach; one that acknowledges the interconnectedness of these health challenges and their impact on individuals, families, communities, and workplaces alike. This conference serves as a pivotal platform to advance this crucial dialogue," she adds. 

Accompanying Dr. Maimela in steering the conference discussions is the new Conference chair, Dr. Chauntelle Bagwandeen, an illustrious Public Health Medicine Specialist from the University of KwaZulu Natal and field leading medical expert. An apt guide for these discussions, Dr. Bagwandeen's work has been instrumental in understanding the nature and spread of sexually transmitted infections in sub-Saharan Africa.

Together they will introduce an interactive public discourse format at the session, aiming to foster an environment of collaborative innovation and knowledge sharing.

Related: Africa Health 2023: Exploring African environmental ethics and Ubuntu

The conference, in partnership with the South African Public Health Preventative Medicine Association (SAPHPMA), draws a diverse audience, from C-level healthcare executives to government officials, offering a unique platform for cross-sector engagement.

Attendees will not only gain insights into the complexities of multimorbidity but also have an opportunity to delve into maternal and child health issues, stroke prevention, and advancements in TB diagnostics. The event will provide fertile ground for discussions that will shape the future trajectory of public health across the African continent. 

Last year's conference, led by Dr. Atiya Mosam and in partnership with the South African Public Health and Preventive Medicine Association, saw industry leaders congregate to discuss public health leadership and reimagine how to instil resilience in Africa’s healthcare systems. It marked an important step towards fostering a collaborative environment among international, national, and regional players.

Building on that foundation, this year's event aims to deepen those dialogues, looking back at the past years’ learnings, exploring actionable solutions, and refining best practices in public health.

Those interested in attending will find a wealth of opportunities for professional development and networking. The conference is particularly beneficial for public health specialists, government officials, and healthcare professionals keen on acquiring a nuanced understanding of pressing healthcare challenges and contributing to a healthier future for African communities. 

The conference promises to be an indispensable forum for industry leaders committed to advancing public health systems across Africa.

Africa Health 2023 will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, from October 17 to 19 October 2023, at the Gallagher Convention Centre. To register, click here.

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Over the past few decades, technological advancements have played a pivotal role in the transformation of the pharmaceutical industry. Evolutions in technology have ushered in an era of streamlined operations, rapid innovation, and more effective solutions. 

At the heart of this transformation lies the concept of connected workers. These are professionals who utilise advanced digital tools, wearables, and cloud-based platforms to collaborate, analyse, and operate seamlessly within a digitally connected environment. Think of connected work as the symbiotic union of human intellect with digital prowess. 

In this article, we explore the current landscape of the pharmaceutical industry and how connected workers are not only revolutionising the pharmaceutical realm but also making a significant impact across various healthcare sectors. 

The current industry landscape

The pharmaceutical industry has expanded into a complex network, driven by the growing global population and rapidly evolving diseases. There is an urgent need for quick medication development, testing, and release, all while ensuring the utmost quality and safety. 

The field is fraught with challenges: stringent regulations, ensuring patient safety, and global distribution complexities. Add to this the pressures from worldwide events like pandemics, and the industry finds itself needing to adapt swiftly, balancing rapid innovation with regulatory demands. 

Related: Digital marketing trends in the GCC pharmaceutical industry

Historically, the pharmaceutical sector leaned heavily on manual processes with minimal technological intervention. Yet, as time progressed, we have witnessed a shift — from isolated computer systems to today's interconnected platforms powered by IoT and AI. The industry now thrives on global collaboration and connectivity. 

Facing these challenges head-on, the industry requires more than just minor tweaks. It needs a revolutionary approach. Connected workers are uniquely positioned to offer the pharmaceutical industry and numerous benefits. 

Benefits of connected workers 

These digitally empowered professionals, armed with real-time data and collaborative tools, promise to redefine the very essence of the industry. Here, we delve deep into the myriad advantages of integrating connected workers into the pharmaceutical paradigm. 

Skyrocketing efficiency and productivity 

At the heart of any successful industry is its ability to operate efficiently. In pharmaceuticals, where every second counts, enhancing efficiency is not just about profits; it is about saving lives. 

• Real-time data: Immediate access ensures that everyone, from lab technicians to top-level management, has the same updated information. This eliminates redundancy and speeds up processes. 
• Decision-making improved: Decisions no longer need to be based on outdated reports or delayed feedback. Instead, real-time data feeds ensure that every choice made is in sync with the current scenario to optimise outcomes. 

Bulletproof compliance and traceability 

Regulation is a reality in the pharmaceutical world. Ensuring that every drug produced meets stringent standards is vital not just for legal reasons, but for patient safety. 

• End-to-end tracking: With connected systems, every step — from raw material sourcing to the delivery of the final product — is logged and accessible. This makes audits smoother and ensures adherence to regulations. 
• Live reporting: Whether it is a surprise inspection or routine check, live reports mean that stakeholders do not have to scramble for data. Everything is available at a moment's notice, ensuring full transparency. 

Reinforcing safety and minimising risks 

In an industry where a minor oversight can lead to serious repercussions, risk mitigation is not just essential — it is paramount. 

• Predictive maintenance: Before a machine signals a breakdown or a system falters, connected tools provide alerts based on predictive analysis. This preemptive approach ensures smooth operations and minimises downtime. 
• Swift responses: Instant alerts mean potential hazards, whether mechanical or human, are tackled immediately. This not only saves resources but can also be crucial in upholding safety standards. 

Global collaboration and knowledge exchange 

The modern pharmaceutical industry isn't limited by borders. With global trials, research, and sales, ensuring everyone is on the same page is crucial. 

• Uniting departments: Connecting your workforce ensures that departments, whether in the same building or across continents, operate with a unified goal and strategy. 
• Worldwide best practices: A connected workforce allows instant sharing of breakthroughs, research findings, and best practices. What’s discovered in a lab in Europe can be immediately implemented in Asia, ensuring a globally optimised operation. 

Trimming down operational costs 

Efficiency is not just about time — it is also about cost. By streamlining operations, the pharmaceutical industry can ensure that every penny is spent well. 

• Streamlined workflows: Automated alerts, task assignments based on real-time data, and reduced downtime all contribute to a workflow where every action is optimised, leading to significant savings. 
• Resource optimisation: Energy, manpower, and equipment are utilised to their maximum potential. This does not just save money; it also ensures that the industry remains environmentally responsible by reducing waste. 

With these expansive benefits, the role of connected workers is not just a futuristic concept. It is a present-day reality, a linchpin in the evolution of the pharmaceutical industry.  

Impact on pharmaceutical manufacturing 

The influence of novel tech solutions is not limited to the pharmaceutical sector alone; it reverberates throughout the entire healthcare landscape, revolutionising the way the industry functions as a whole. 

Real-time data access empowers manufacturers to closely monitor the performance of medical devices and pharmaceutical products — this real-time monitoring leads to quicker identification of potential issues, allowing for immediate updates and expedited releases of enhanced versions.  

Related: Addressing virtual clinics and cloud pharmacies in the MENA region

For end-users, such as patients who depend on these medical devices or medications, this translates into increased safety and more effective health outcomes. 

The supply chain also experiences a transformative uplift due to modern technological advancement. Real-time tracking capabilities minimise lead times and guarantee on-time deliveries, while predictive analytics help in forecasting demand, ensuring that inventory levels are optimally maintained to prevent sudden shortages. 

By focusing on these key areas, organizations are fundamentally altering the pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape, making it more efficient, responsive, and ultimately, more patient-centric. 

Future prospects  

The concept of connected workers in the pharmaceutical industry is just the beginning. As we look to the future, the applications and potential of this approach stretch far and wide, promising even more significant transformations. 

Imagine pharmaceutical professionals walking into a virtual lab, interacting with digital drug compounds, or getting hands-on training in a simulated environment. AR and VR have the potential to revolutionise training sessions, making them more interactive, safe, and comprehensive. Moreover, they can aid in complex operations where a virtual overlay provides additional information, ensuring precision and efficiency. 

The next decade might see an even deeper intertwining of AI in daily operations. Predictive analytics can go beyond equipment maintenance, delving into areas like drug interactions, patient responses, and even predicting global pharmaceutical trends based on socioeconomic factors. 

Connected workers are undeniably shaping the future of the pharmaceutical industry. Their influence, however, is not just restricted to this sector. The overarching benefits and potential applications hint at a future where healthcare, as a whole, becomes more efficient, collaborative, and patient-centric. For stakeholders, embracing this concept is not just beneficial — it is imperative for future success. 

Eric Whitley is the Director of Smart Manufacturing at L2L, where he helps clients learn and implement a pragmatic and simple approach to corporate digital transformation.     

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Cardiovascular disease (CVD), often referred to as the silent killer, is a growing global health crisis. It represents 32 per cent of all deaths globally, with deaths from CVD jumping from 12.1 million in 1990 to 20.5 million in 2021.

In the UAE, the prevalence of this life-threatening condition is on the rise, affecting even the nation's youth. Research by the Cleveland Clinic shows that more than half of UAE residents are affected by heart disease. An audit of patients who were admitted for a major heart attack found that nearly half were under the age of 50, and one in 10 were under the age of 40.

Related: Challenging misconceptions around heart health in the Gulf

Dr. Juwairia Al Ali, President of the Emirates Cardiac Society and Cardiologist at Rashid Hospital said that a few years ago, it was rare to see patients under the age of 50 who suffered a heart attack. “However, hospitals across the UAE have reported an increasing number of people in their early 30s being admitted due to heart attacks. This shift in demographics is alarming and underscores the urgent need for action.”

Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) is at the heart of this crisis. ASCVD is a term used to describe a condition where plaque build-up occurs in the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis. This process involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, cholesterol, blood cells, and other substances inside the artery walls, forming plaques. Over time, these plaques can narrow and harden the arteries, restricting blood flow to vital organs like the heart and the brain.

Dr. Juwairia Al Ali

According to Dr. Al Ali, numerous risk factors contribute to the development of ASCVD. “High levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), often referred to as bad cholesterol, play a significant role in plaque formation in artery walls. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, puts additional stress on arterial walls, making them more susceptible to damage.”

Related: Harness technology to detect heart diseases early

To stay vigilant against ASCVD, regular check-ups with healthcare professionals are paramount, and screening for cholesterol levels, in particular, is essential. Dr. Al Ali notes that the first screening is recommended between the ages of nine and 11 and then again between 17 and 21. For adults, cholesterol screenings should occur every four to six years, with more frequent tests for high-risk groups. “By understanding the risk factors, adopting heart-healthy lifestyles, and seeking regular medical check-ups, individuals can safeguard their hearts and contribute to a healthier, heart-conscious UAE,” she said.

Improving heart health

To educate people about the risk factors of ASCVD and the importance of early detection and treatment, Novartis has launched the “Unblocked” movement as part of its commitment to improve and extend people’s lives across the region and globally.

Mohamed Ezz Eldin, Head of Innovative Medicines at Novartis Gulf, said the goal of “Unblocked” is to bring patients, their loved ones, healthcare professionals, and healthcare systems together in a shared mission to “unblock” barriers to heart health and raise awareness of the importance of cholesterol screening to minimise the risk of developing ASCVD.

Mohamed Ezz Eldin

“A key focus for us is to raise awareness of the contribution of risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle to the high burden of ASCVD on society,” Eldin said. “We want to highlight the urgent need to invest in heart health to improve the outcomes for all those that are impacted. We are also looking into new and transformative approaches that are needed to proactively predict, prevent, and better treat heart disease.”

For this, Novartis is collaborating on innovative health approaches that go beyond medicines to reduce heart disease and its impact—equitably and at scale. “We are also leveraging our strategic partnerships with various institutions, such as the Emirates Cardiac Society, to raise awareness about ASCVD across the UAE and the region,” Eldin said.

“By encouraging individuals to take small steps towards heart health, such as regular cholesterol screenings, exercise, healthy eating habits, and quitting smoking, we aim to spur a conversation around heart health across the UAE and beyond,” he concluded.

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