Vivek Kanade: Siemens Healthineers’ Innovations Drive Sustainability and Reshape Healthcare’s Future in the Region

Chicago – Tamer Emam

In a world witnessing rapid advancements in healthcare, Siemens Healthineers emerges as one of the leading companies striving to enhance the quality of medical services and expand their reach, particularly in regions grappling with significant infrastructure and human resource challenges.

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Vivek Kanade, head of Middle East and Africa at Siemens Healthineers, to discuss the company’s strategy in the region, the most pressing challenges facing the healthcare sector, and how the company is delivering innovative solutions to meet the growing demands for healthcare.

Kanade sheds light on the pillars of Siemens Healthineers’ strategy to develop the healthcare sector, including improving access to care, supporting the treatment of chronic diseases such as heart conditions and cancer, and advancing digital empowerment in healthcare.

The conversation also delves into some of the groundbreaking technologies developed by Siemens Healthineers, such as helium-free MRI machines and the “Single Cockpit” technology, which contribute to reducing costs and enhancing the efficiency of medical services, especially in remote and underserved areas.

Additionally, Kanade discusses the company’s sustainability efforts, including its equipment refurbishment program, which aims to provide cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality.

Through this dialogue, we gain insight into Siemens Healthineers’ vision to create a tangible, positive impact on patients’ lives and how the company is addressing the significant challenges facing the region, particularly amid shortages in medical personnel and infrastructure.

• Q: Can you introduce yourself and your role at Siemens Healthineers?

A: I am the Head of Middle East & Africa at Siemens Healthineers, overseeing business operations across 69 countries in the region. Our zone headquarter is based in Dubai, which serves as the central hub for these countries. Out of these 69 countries, we have a direct presence in seven, including Egypt, where we have an established organization to manage our operations effectively.

• Q: Is Egypt one of the countries where Siemens Healthineers has a direct presence?

A: Yes, Egypt is one of the countries where we have a direct presence.

• Q: Could you elaborate on Siemens Healthineers’ operations in Egypt and the region?

A: In addition to Egypt, we have a direct presence in several GCC countries. For example, we operate directly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with Saudi Arabia being one of our largest markets in the region. We are also active in Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman, where we work closely with partners to manage sales while maintaining our own service capabilities. This collaborative approach allows us to combine strong local partnerships with the technical expertise and resources of Siemens Healthineers.

• Q: What are the core pillars of Siemens Healthineers’ strategy for advancing healthcare in the Middle East and Africa? Additionally, how does this strategy impact the Egyptian market?

A: Currently, Siemens Healthineers is in the “New Ambition” phase, which runs from 2022 to 2025. This strategic phase focuses on five core growth pillars that guide our business activities. While one of these pillars is specific to China’s healthcare market, the remaining four are highly relevant to our work in the Middle East and Africa, including Egypt. These pillars include access to care, cardiology and neurology (addressing cardiovascular and neurological diseases), digital enablement and networked care, and oncology (cancer care). Among these, access to care is particularly significant for our region as it addresses the critical need for quality healthcare in underserved areas. For Egypt, this strategy aims to bridge gaps in healthcare availability and improve outcomes through innovative solutions tailored to local challenges.

• Q: Can you elaborate on the concept of network care and its role in Siemens Healthineers’ strategy?

A: Network care primarily focuses on addressing challenges in mature healthcare markets by finding ways to reduce overall hospital expenditure and improve patient experiences. The idea is to shift care away from expensive hospital settings to more cost-effective and accessible alternatives, such as ambulatory care. This approach involves designing patient journeys that begin at home, extend through hospital treatment, and conclude with recovery back in the community or workplace. However, for our region, including Egypt, the emphasis lies elsewhere, specifically on access to care, cardiology, and cancer care. Access to care is a major priority, as nearly half the global population, between 7.5 and 8 billion people, lacks access to quality healthcare. Siemens Healthineers is actively working to address this by developing solutions, equipment, and technologies to make healthcare accessible in underserved regions, ensuring equitable treatment for all.

• Q: The area you are managing faces critical challenges. How is Siemens Healthineers addressing these issues, particularly in developing countries with limited infrastructure and medical workforce shortages?

A: Siemens Healthineers is tackling these challenges by focusing on innovative solutions that address two key issues: the shortage of skilled healthcare professionals and the need for easily installed and maintained technologies. Let me provide two examples to illustrate this.

First, consider the MRI technology. Traditional MRIs require significant infrastructure—they are heavy, demand substantial power, and use a large amount of liquid helium (approximately 1,500 liters) to maintain extremely low temperatures. This setup is often unfeasible for smaller hospitals or rural areas due to logistical and cost constraints. To overcome this, we have introduced a breakthrough solution: a helium-free MRI that uses less than one liter of helium, equivalent to a small water bottle. This innovation drastically reduces the infrastructure requirements, making it possible to install MRIs in smaller facilities and underserved areas. Additionally, these MRIs are enhanced with AI-enabled software that simplifies operation, accelerates the learning curve for technologists, and allows for easy replacement of staff when needed. This advancement ensures that communities that previously had to travel great distances for MRI access can now benefit from local services, significantly improving healthcare accessibility.

Second, we are leveraging a technology called “single cockpit” to address workforce challenges. Traditionally, MRI technologists must be physically present to operate the machines, even in a teleradiology setup. With single cockpit technology, however, MRIs can be operated remotely from a central command center. This enables one technologist to manage multiple units across various locations. For example, a country with 50 MRIs in small towns can connect them to a single command center staffed with a smaller, highly skilled team. This reduces the need for 150 technologists working in shifts and lowers operational costs. At the same time, the images are transmitted to radiologists at the command center, where they can be analyzed with the help of AI tools like the AI Rad Companion, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.

These innovations not only reduce costs and optimize resource utilization but also improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare in underserved regions. This unique approach positions Siemens Healthineers as a pioneer in transforming healthcare delivery globally.

• Q: Any other technologies?

A: With the technology we currently have, no one else offers something similar. This is the first of its kind and is also scalable, making it unique. It directly addresses access-to-care challenges, particularly in smaller towns that lack skilled staff or integrated infrastructure. How do we ensure patients in these areas have access to healthcare? This technology is `one of the solutions that bridges such gaps effectively.

• Q: Are you finding that they want to adopt it? I mean, it’s all very advanced.

A: While it is indeed advanced, there’s already significant interest and excitement around this technology. Businesses, even those with the ability to invest, often face challenges with skilled resources, especially in smaller or developing countries. For instance, GCC countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, or Egypt can serve as hubs for delivering healthcare services to other regions. Specifically, Egypt, with its relatively stronger pool of skilled resources, can act as a hub for providing services to other African countries.

• Q: Are you still developing it, or are you trying to sell it?

A: The initial versions of this technology are already operational in multiple countries, including South America, Germany, and the US. In the Middle East, we are currently collaborating with the government of the UAE to implement this technology. While it is not yet installed, we are actively working on its deployment.

• Q: Among Siemens Healthineers’ portfolio of products and solutions, which are making the greatest impact on improving patient outcomes in the region, specifically Egypt?

A: Siemens Healthineers has an extensive portfolio that significantly impacts patient outcomes, particularly in Egypt and the broader region. This includes cutting-edge solutions in cardiology, radiology, digital health, and artificial intelligence (AI). Among these, one of the most impactful innovations is the Flow MRI, a technology designed to deliver high-quality imaging while adapting to different infrastructure and budgetary needs. This makes advanced diagnostics accessible to a wider range of healthcare providers.

Our NAEOTOM Alpha, the world’s first photon-counting CT system, is another revolutionary technology. Photon-counting redefines diagnostic imaging by providing ultra-precise and highly detailed images. It captures more diagnostic information with reduced radiation doses, offering unparalleled clarity. For example, patients with high calcium scores—where traditional CT scanners often struggle to visualize coronary arteries due to calcium obstruction—can benefit significantly from photon-counting technology. It enables precise visualization of the arteries without interference from calcium deposits, eliminating the need for invasive angiograms. This not only reduces patient risk but also minimizes the cost and time associated with follow-up procedures.

Our dual-source CT technology is another area where we lead the market. Unlike conventional CT scanners that use a single tube and detector, dual-source systems employ two, delivering faster, more detailed imaging. When combined with photon-counting, dual-source CT provides an exceptional level of detail, enabling early detection and accurate diagnosis across a wide range of conditions.

Furthermore, our portfolio includes AI-powered solutions such as the AI Rad Companion, which supports radiologists in processing vast volumes of data generated by modern imaging systems. These AI tools assist in identifying subtle abnormalities, automating routine tasks, and delivering actionable insights, thereby enhancing both the speed and accuracy of diagnoses. For instance, during a scan, AI can highlight incidental findings—such as nodules in the neck or potential breast abnormalities—that might otherwise go unnoticed, adding a layer of precision and thoroughness to diagnostics.

Overall, our innovations not only transform the diagnostic process but also improve the entire treatment pathway by providing deeper insights and reducing invasive procedures. This aligns with our vision to enhance healthcare accessibility and outcomes, ensuring that advanced technology benefits both patients and healthcare providers in Egypt and the wider region.

• Q: So, regarding sustainability, what initiatives has Siemens Healthineers launched to align with global sustainable development goals?

A: At Siemens Healthineers, sustainability is at the core of what we do, especially in the healthcare space. We’ve set ambitious sustainability targets, including becoming net zero by 2050 for our scope one and two emissions. This commitment extends to multiple facets of our operations, including diversity and inclusion, which we believe are crucial in shaping our company. We prioritize creating an inclusive environment where employees from different cultures, geographies, and backgrounds can collaborate and contribute to decisions that are meaningful. Another key focus is reducing emissions not just in operations, but also throughout the manufacturing process—choosing sustainable materials and optimizing production methods. Additionally, we focus on patient touchpoints, which directly contribute to sustainability by improving access to healthcare services. For example, if patients can get diagnostic services like CT scans, MRIs, or blood tests closer to their homes, it reduces the need for travel, saving time and energy. This has both an environmental impact and a positive effect on patient outcomes. Early diagnosis also leads to less resource-intensive treatments and better long-term care, especially for conditions like cancer. All of these aspects—net zero emissions, diversity and inclusion, and patient access are part of our broader sustainability goals.

• Q: Is there a refurbishment program in the Middle East?

A: We have a global refurbishment program that is a key part of our sustainability strategy. The goal of this program is to remanufacture and refurbish equipment, ensuring that it meets the same high-quality standards as new products. We don’t compromise on the quality of outcomes, and we follow a very strict, NEMA-certified, five-step process for refurbishing equipment. This process involves careful selection of equipment to be refurbished, thorough testing, and ensuring that the reinstalled equipment delivers performance equal to that of new devices. Each refurbished product comes with the same warranties as a new one. The main advantage of refurbished equipment is that it’s more cost-effective, and this contributes significantly to sustainability by extending the lifecycle of medical devices and reducing waste. This initiative is indeed quite relevant to the Middle East, where healthcare infrastructure is continuously evolving, and affordable access to high-quality equipment is a priority.

• Q: Will refurbished equipment be substantially less expensive?

A: Yes, refurbished equipment is substantially less expensive than new equipment because it’s pre-owned. However, it’s important to note that the cost reduction doesn’t come at the expense of quality. The remanufacturing process ensures that refurbished equipment performs at the same level as new products. This cost-effective solution is particularly beneficial for healthcare providers looking to maximize their resources while maintaining high standards of care, making it a sustainable option in the region.

• Q: How important is the refurbishment program in the Middle East?

A: The refurbishment program is becoming increasingly significant in the Middle East, where healthcare systems are growing rapidly and striving to balance cost-effectiveness with high-quality care. Our Ecoline brand, which represents our refurbished equipment, is part of this global initiative and is available in the region. Ecoline products meet all the stringent quality standards we uphold for new devices, ensuring that healthcare providers can rely on them for exceptional performance while benefiting from reduced costs. This program supports the region’s sustainability goals by extending the life of medical equipment and providing affordable healthcare solutions.