Dubai: Arab Health, the Middle East’s largest health care event, has turned the spotlight on health care innovation with the launch of several new products and technologies.
Health care innovation enhances life expectancy, improves quality of life, increases diagnostic and treatment options and positively impacts the efficiency and cost effectiveness of the health care system, according to experts.
In this, the need for constant innovation is clear, said international nursing consultant Kathleen Vollman, who has more than 32 years experience. As a critical care nurse and educator, she said she believed technology was critical in improving patient outcome.
Alejandro Infante, company president of the Progress Bed System launched by Hill-Rom, told Gulf News: “Hospital beds can help caregivers provide better care and help the patient recover faster. For a caregiver, it means less physical labour to help a patient. For a patient, it means reduced hospital time.”
Siemens launched the Acuson Freestyle, the world’s first wireless ultrasound imaging system.
“It is crucial that new technologies make health care more accessible, affordable and efficient,” said Waclaw Lukowicz, CEO, Siemens Healthcare Middle East. “This is particularly relevant at a time when the Middle East’s health care sector is undergoing a phase of rapid growth, in turn requiring large investments to meet rising demand.”
GE Healthcare introduced a Silent Scan technology designed to reduce MR scanner noise to near ambient (background) sound levels. Maher Abu Zeid, GE Healthcare’s president and chief executive officer for the Middle East and Pakistan told Gulf News: “Innovation is about improving patient experience in safety and comfort.”
By way of caveat, Adeeb Al Za’abi, manager of Health Facility Licensing at the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) told Gulf News: “There is great value in new technology. However from a regulatory point of view, it is important that the equipment is certified, approved by the UAE Ministry of Health, and operated by only trained professionals.”
Other launches included Masimo’s Pronto-7, a handheld device that inspects blood with harmless light rays instead of needles and blood draws, and Serf-Dedienne Sante’s TRI CCC total knee prosthesis, which adapts to a patient’s bone quality.
