In a recent discussion, Özlem Fidanci, Chief of International Region at Philips, shared insights on the company’s participation in the World Health Expo (WHX) and emphasized the significant importance of enhancing patient care and outcomes within the healthcare sector.
The MENA Region’s Healthcare Contribution
The healthcare industry plays a vital role in the transformation of the MENA region. It is increasingly recognized by leaders that a healthy populace lays the groundwork for a resilient and productive economy. This awareness is driving the shift towards creating interconnected health ecosystems that prioritize improved care for a broader audience.
What is particularly striking about this moment is the readiness among local stakeholders to mobilize these changes. According to the 2025 Philips Health Trends Research UAE, an impressive 77% of residents express confidence in artificial intelligence’s potential to enhance healthcare delivery—from diagnostic processes to operational efficiency. When a strong vision converges with trust and actual adoption, stakeholders are not merely imagining future care; they are actively constructing it.
Key Technology Topics to Address
At WHX, the primary technology topic healthcare leaders should emphasize is the transition from a hopeful view of AI to realizing substantial impacts at scale. Philips is exemplifying this during the expo through innovations like the BlueSeal Horizon MRI platform, which features the first helium-free 3.0T magnet and integrates advanced clinical AI seamlessly into everyday workflows. Similarly, the Philips Verida Spectral CT, the first AI-powered detector-based spectral CT, aims to improve efficiency in high-demand settings by streamlining workflows and minimizing repeat scans.
The overarching goal of these technologies is to delegate routine tasks to AI, reducing variability and allowing healthcare professionals to concentrate on delivering high-quality care.
Enhancing Patient Care Through Time Management
One of the most significant opportunities to improve patient care lies in addressing healthcare’s most precious resource: time. In this industry, every moment counts, and today’s healthcare teams often find themselves stretched thin. Thus, the focus should not just be on accelerating processes but on enhancing efficiency.
By interconnecting systems, automating routine tasks, and organizing information more effectively, we can reclaim invaluable time for clinicians. This time not only increases capacity and speeds up diagnosis but also opens the door for more meaningful interactions between caregivers and patients. Such connections can lead to better experiences and improved outcomes for both parties involved.
Engaging with Clinicians and Healthcare Leaders
Beyond merely showcasing technology, Philips finds immense value in conversations and feedback from clinicians and healthcare leaders during events like WHX. The most insightful feedback usually revolves around tangible, day-to-day operational hurdles rather than isolated features. Recognizing these local challenges helps Philips co-create platforms and solutions that can be scaled to make a significant impact.
Additionally, this approach highlights an essential truth about healthcare transformation: it cannot occur in a vacuum. Meaningful progress relies on robust collaboration between public and private sectors, effectively turning innovations into actionable results.