Samsung Electronics South Africa has announced its expansion into the healthcare sector with the addition of the Samsung Health & Medical Equipment business portfolio.
By expanding its presence in the medical equipment industry, Samsung aims to become a global healthcare leader by bringing together its expertise in electronics and IT technologies for an improved and more complete healthcare experience.

“Given the success of Samsung Health & Medical Equipment in other markets, we are able to share this knowledge and expertise with medical practitioners and patients in South Africa and drive a better and more complete healthcare experience,” says Manoj Bhoola, business leader for Business-to-Business at Samsung Electronics.

“Our objective, as a world technology leader, is to equip healthcare providers with the tools they require to offer patients the best possible care. Our continued interest and investment in the healthcare sector will assist us in reaching our overall global growth goals and our 2020 vision.”

Globally, Samsung has been recognised as being the most efficient in the chip, video imaging and mobile device markets. Coupled with their experience in robotics, the company has utilised these strengths to develop technology that has definition capabilities that are developed enough to undertake and manage remote diagnostics.

“The combination of Samsung’s unparalleled image processing and IT technologies with industry-leading medical equipment will serve as the foundation for continuing innovation in medical technology,” says Bhoola. “By upholding customer values as our top priority, Samsung Health & Medical Equipment will support fast, easy and accurate diagnosis through superior technologies and products.”

The Samsung Health & Medical range will incorporate digital radiography, in-vitro diagnostics and ultrasound.

“The products within the three categories have digital capabilities that enable the results to be immediately transmitted to a specified location, anywhere in the world. This is extremely important in the South African context as it allows residents living in remote areas to visit a mobile telemedicine clinic and have their medical images examined by specialists anywhere around the globe,” adds Bhoola.

There are also various models available in each of the product ranges. The digital radiology equipment includes ceiling mounted, free standing and mobile versions for use in a number of locations. The ultrasound equipment is ideal for use in obstetrics, gynaecology, cardiology and general surgery practises while the in-vitro clinical chemistry blood analysers provide accurate test results in just seven minutes.

This is a benefit, not only for urban clinics, but more importantly for busy mobile rural clinics where patient traffic may be considerably higher.

“We have a dedicated business unit and resources to head up our Healthcare division. We are currently in the process of seeking specialised distributors with unique and specialised skills, in terms of service management and diagnostics, to ensure we can successfully bring these solutions to the South African market,” Bhoola points out.

“Samsung prides itself on developing and pushing the boundaries of innovative technology. The response we have received from private hospitals, clinics, doctors and blood analysis laboratories indicate the need for these solutions. In addition, as governments throughout Africa continue to focus on improving the healthcare sector, there is likely to be a growing need for reliable and mobile diagnostic equipment.

“The ability to share the Samsung range of healthcare products with our South African market further fulfils our mission statement to bring Built For Africa technology to the fore in our efforts to change the world and improve the quality of people’s lives,” Bhoola says.