29/09/2024
Eng. Amr Kandil brings over a decade of experience in the healthcare sector, with a proven track record of leading initiatives that improve healthcare access and innovation in Egypt. In an exclusive interview with AHK Connect eNewsletter, Kandil discusses Siemens Healthineers' pioneering role in digital transformation, AIdriven solutions, and cutting-edge medical technologies that are reshaping the healthcare landscape. He also highlights the company’s ongoing collaborations with the Egyptian government and key stakeholders to enhance patient care and address critical healthcare challenges, including the shortage of trained professionals. Below are excerpts from the interview.
- You have over a decade of experience in the healthcare sector. How does your transition to Siemens Healthineers differ from your previous roles?
My transition to Siemens Healthineers has been a defining moment in my career, given the company’s leadership in healthcare innovation and its long-standing relationship with the Egyptian government since 1901. Siemens Healthineers is a pioneer in breakthrough technologies that are reshaping healthcare for everyone, everywhere.
What truly sets Siemens Healthineers apart from my previous roles is its comprehensive approach. It’s the only medical technology company that covers a wide range of solutions, from Medical Imaging and Lab Diagnostics to Point-of-Care and Cancer Therapy. This expansive portfolio allows us to address critical challenges in the healthcare sector, such as the shortage of qualified healthcare professionals. By leveraging AI-driven solutions and digital technologies, we can provide innovative tools that empower healthcare providers, optimize resources, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Furthermore, my role at Siemens Healthineers is deeply aligned with my commitment to enhancing healthcare access in Egypt. Our solutions are designed to fill critical gaps, ensuring that even in the face of staff shortages, patients receive timely and quality care. This vision of expanding access to healthcare, supported by cutting-edge technology, makes this experience distinct and impactful compared to my previous positions in the healthcare sector.
- How do you anticipate the healthcare industry in Egypt will innovate and evolve over the coming years? What are your predictions for the future?
I believe that the Egyptian state and government have become significantly invested in the healthcare sector, actively prioritizing its development. We've recently witnessed a major transformation in the health insurance sector through the introduction of the Universal Health Insurance Project, along with widespread health awareness campaigns, screenings across the country, and initiatives focusing on women's and children's health.
At Siemens Healthineers, we strongly believe in the importance of collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) and the Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement (UPA). This shared value is at the core of our work, as we contribute to the development of hospitals under the Universal Health Insurance Project and equip them with the latest advanced solutions and technology. We are also focused on developing the skills and expertise of local healthcare professionals through our Siemens Healthineers Egypt Academy, with the aim of empowering citizens to access high-quality healthcare services.
We remain committed to continuing our partnership with the government to advance the healthcare sector in Egypt even further.
- What are the most recent technological innovations introduced by Siemens Healthineers, and how do you anticipate they will benefit Egypt’s healthcare sector
Siemens Healthineers plays a vital role in advancing healthcare technology in Africa, focusing on digital transformation and AI to enhance medical services, including remote consultations and data management. We have recently launched groundbreaking technologies in various fields. These innovations are setting new standards in diagnostic precision and accessibility, which are crucial for timely and accurate patient care.
Furthermore, we have been collaborating with various governmental and private entities to provide handson training modules to medical professionals across Egypt, aimed at improving the practical skills of future healthcare providers.
Siemens Healthineers is actively involved in several key initiatives in Egypt, including supporting the President’s women's health initiative with 90 mammography systems and 8 mobile units to facilitate early detection and screening in remote areas across Egyptian governorates. These efforts will ultimately improve healthcare outcomes for women across Egypt. Through these initiatives, Siemens Healthineers is dedicated to driving innovation, enhancing care quality, and making advanced medical technologies accessible throughout the country.
- Siemens Healthineers is globally recognized for its innovative and sustainable solutions. What specific measures are being implemented by Siemens Healthineers Egypt to promote sustainability?
Siemens Healthineers Egypt is deeply committed to promoting sustainability through various initiatives across its operations. Recognizing the demands of the healthcare sector, we strive for integration and collaboration with governments and healthcare professionals. In Egypt, we work closely with the government and the Ministry of Health and Population on multiple fronts. Our efforts focus on improving patient outcomes and accelerating diagnoses through sustainable solutions, such as state-of-the-art imaging systems and advanced healthcare IT solutions. The Siemens Healthineers Academy in Egypt, a cornerstone of our commitment, plays a crucial role in training and empowering healthcare personnel, which is also part of our people-focused sustainability efforts.
In response to the global call to reduce carbon emissions, we are implementing specific measures aligned with long-term climate goals. We have committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in scopes 1 and 2 by at least 50% by fiscal year 2030 compared to fiscal year 2019 (247 kilotons). We have also set a mid-term target of 160 kilotons of CO2 equivalent for fiscal year 2025. Currently, with scope 1 and 2 emissions at 180 kilotons of CO2 equivalent for fiscal year 2022, we have already reduced our emissions by 27%, demonstrating that we are on track to meet our targets. Every aspect of our work is driven by a commitment to sustainability, ensuring that our initiatives not only enhance healthcare outcomes but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
- As a key partner with the Egyptian government in healthcare projects, can you tell us more about your ongoing collaborations with the government and how the government’s investment efforts and regulations affect the local healthcare private sector?
As a trusted partner of the Egyptian government, Siemens Healthineers is actively involved in numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare services, access, and education across Egypt. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Population, we have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Egypt Healthcare Authority and Mansoura University to provide advanced training programs for healthcare professionals. Additionally, our work with the Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement (UPA) and the Ministry of Health on the Presidential Initiative for Women’s Health involves supplying 90 mammogram units and 8 Mammomat mobile units, with the goal of improving access to healthcare and enhancing early detection and screening, particularly in underserved areas. These efforts exemplify our strategic commitment to elevating healthcare standards and supporting government-led initiatives.
We are also working to enhance diagnostic capabilities in rural areas and improve public health infrastructure through initiatives. These comprehensive projects highlight our role in advancing healthcare across Egypt and underscore the positive impact of government investments and regulations in fostering innovation and growth within the local healthcare sector.
The Egyptian government’s focus on empowering the private sector to play a larger role in healthcare is another important development. This strategic approach aims to integrate innovative practices and advanced technologies from the private sector, thereby improving the overall quality of healthcare services. It aligns with the government’s broader goal of modernizing the healthcare system, expanding access, and improving patient care throughout the country.
- How do you see the relationship between Egypt and Germany influencing healthcare advancements and collaboration in the sector?
The relationship between Egypt and Germany is thriving through robust collaboration and knowledge exchange in the healthcare sector. As a German company with a longstanding commitment to the Egyptian market since 1901, Siemens Healthineers serves as a crucial bridge, introducing the latest medical technologies and innovations to Egypt. This partnership not only facilitates the transfer of expertise but also supports ongoing training and professional development, enabling the implementation of state-of-the-art healthcare solutions.
A prominent example of this collaboration is our joint effort in advancing digital transformation in healthcare. Recognizing the critical role of technology in addressing the shortage of healthcare personnel, Siemens Healthineers is working closely with various institutions across Germany, including universities, trainees, and the Innovation Think Tank, to develop cutting-edge medical devices. This collaboration enables us to provide innovative solutions that supplement the number of doctors and optimize healthcare delivery.
Additionally, the Siemens Healthineers Egypt Academy represents another dimension of this relationship, by investing in knowledge transfer and capacity building for healthcare professionals, especially in Egypt. The Academy offers theoretical and practical education and training programs for healthcare workers and has proudly graduated 1,350 trainees to date. These courses cover all aspects of the healthcare sector and are available not only to Egyptian candidates but also to healthcare professionals across the Middle East and Africa.
Our goal is to enhance healthcare workers' capabilities from both scientific and soft skills perspectives through hands-on training, online courses, and accredited programs.
We are confident that this partnership will continue to drive progress, elevate patient care standards, and significantly contribute to the growth and advancement of the healthcare landscape in both Egypt and Germany.
- What are the most significant opportunities in the local healthcare sector, and how will your company utilize them?
Investing in innovative diagnostic technologies and educational facilities, Siemens Healthineers aims to improve the overall quality of healthcare services in Egypt. Our efforts align with the growing demand for advanced medical solutions and professional training, ensuring that we contribute meaningfully to the sector's evolution and effectively meet the evolving needs of the local market in collaboration with the Egyptian government.
A critical aspect of these opportunities is addressing the challenge of a shortage of trained medical personnel. Recognizing the importance of a well-trained workforce, Siemens Healthineers has placed significant emphasis on developing and training healthcare professionals. Over the past few years, we have implemented mechanisms to achieve this goal, including the inauguration of the Siemens Healthineers Egypt Academy – the first of its kind in Egypt, Africa, and the Middle East. To date, 1,350 trainees have graduated from the academy, which focuses on enhancing the skills and expertise of local healthcare professionals.