“Our AI technology focuses on providing doctors (with) the best medical imaging quality possible while also putting patients’ needs as the center of our efforts,” said Flávio Martins, president and CEO of Canon Medical Systems do Brasil.

Aside from developing the technology of their medical equipment, the company is also forging partnerships with nonprofit organizations such as the Dharma Institute, whose main mission is to take medical care to needy and remote communities that do not have access to medical facilities.

“The Dharma Institute’s initiatives have a strong relation with our corporate philosophy ‘Made for Life’ and this is one of the reasons why we chose to donate portable ultrasound equipment to support their cause,” shared Martins. “This will help doctors offer better care for their patients in the long run.”

As Canon Medical Systems do Brasil improves hospital management and operational efficiency through its wide array of technologically advanced medical imaging equipment, its aim to satisfy its customers remains present.

Through an NPS survey, the company was able to measure the level of its customers’ loyalty and satisfaction.

“Canon Medical Systems do Brasil is committed to giving patients the best possible treatment. We want our customers to trust in our capability to provide them with world-class medical equipment and at the same time showcase a variety of original innovations that can help enrich life for everyone,” concluded Martins.

www.br.medical.canon

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Consequently, we offer a wide range of products that serve our needs and help us to be healthier from all perspectives. Spanning from oral care to environmental safety, all our products have a strong body of evidence behind and are designed to improve our quality of life. In addition, one of the main reasons why I say Sunstar is a crucial player in this health movement we are witnessing is the value we give to education and research. During all these years we have not only developed high-quality products, but also contributed to improving oral health awareness among the population as well as promoted research to help our society move forward to a healthier future.

How well suited are Switzerland and Japan in terms of the two countries efforts to strengthen their economic ties?

Both countries are ready to strengthen their economic ties. Traditionally, Switzerland has been one of the most attractive business hubs, and it provides a precious international atmosphere; we have been based in Switzerland for fifteen years now, and the country has offered everything we needed to continue with our internationalization process. Besides, we are located in the Vaud region, an area where innovation and cutting-edge technologies are part of the environment, which is the perfect scenario for a multinational company to grow and expand its businesses. On the other hand, if we pay attention to Japan, it is true that we have seen an impressive evolution in a very short time; the country has gradually opened to international business, and it is becoming one of the most attractive markets for external investors. On top of that, the Japanese sense of loyalty helps foreign companies that understand the culture to establish more solidly.

Definitely, we have integrated many from the Swiss and Western culture that, mixed with our Japanese background, has helped Sunstar to create a unique way of being. As we have mastered in several different fields, we promote a cross-sectional approach to innovation in our company. This, for instance, allows us to apply the latest techniques from engineering to R&D (research and development), or the industrial vision to the development of new consumer-focused products. We did it since the beginning of our history; for example, we would utilise the similar manufacturing technology (tubes filled with glue) but for an entirely different and innovative idea: a “state of the art” toothpaste that would fill the aluminium tubes.

What is the next step for Sunstar in terms of growth in 2019?

Our main objectives for 2019 are strengthening our presence in Europe and Japan and increasing our developing markets. Our business plans, of course, depend on the business sector, but in general they will incorporate our efforts toward solutions related to oral health and its connection with general health, health promotion considering the differences in our life stages and indoor air quality improvement. In our strategy, we will leverage some of our recent achievements — our construction sealer has been selected by several facilities associated with a major sports event in Japan on the basis of a high degree of trust, and we are successfully launching the GUM brand in the Swiss market. As a long-term vision, we see ourselves helping to extend people’s healthy life span and improving their quality of life by continuing to develop products and services that promote general health based on a holistic health care approach.

www.sunstar.com

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The company recently opened its first retail store in Singapore’s famous Takashimaya Shopping Centre on Orchard Road. Today, Meisei & Co.’s flagship store Healthy Port specializes in new product lines imported from Japan. “In Japan, stores such as Healthy Port are relatively common compared with Singapore where such products can only be purchased online,” said Meisei & Co. Managing Director Mike Kataoka.

“We found a niche in the market that we decided to explore and have successfully developed our business.” Japan is addressing issues related to its aging population.

“Japanese companies are developing a wide range of products to improve the quality of life of the elderly by making them more comfortable, mobile and flexible,” said Kataoka.

It is predicted by 2030, a quarter of Singapore’s population will be aged 65 and over — a figure very similar to that of Japan’s demographic today.

One of the leading products Kataoka has introduced to the market is the Geltron gel range of mattresses, pillows and cushions. These utilize the Japan-developed and patented Geltron ‘block-technology,’ which boasts functionality and superior support.

“We have supplied our Geltron mattresses to several hospitals and nursing homes in Singapore and have received very positive feedback,” said Kataoka.

The technology delivers support and breathability and encourages blood flow, which is essential for the elderly or infirm.

“Geltron products are available at Healthy Port and we are actively strengthening consumers’ brand-awareness of these exciting new products,” concluded Kataoka. “In the years to come, as Singapore faces the challenges of an aging population, we fully intend to supply our products to an increasing number of nursing homes and hospitals across Singapore to benefit people’s lives.”

healthyport.meiseisp.com.sg

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Founded on their healthcare and technology expertise, BookDoc is an integrated online platform created to seamlessly connect and unite patients to healthcare professionals. The ultimate goal is to improve diagnosis timeframes and help patients to gain access to suitable care.

‘During my time within the healthcare industry, I recognized the need to digitize systems through an ecosystem of products and services so that patients can benefit from ahassle-free, efficient and enjoyable experience to their healthcare appointments, ’says Beh.

The interface allows users to search and book appointments with healthcare professionals in their area in a convenient manner while also offering transport and accommodation solutions through partnerships with Uber, Grab, Trip Advisor, Agoda and Airbnb.

BookDoc has also joined forces with health and fitness retail partners to encourage clients to live a healthier lifestyle and earn rewards.

BookDoc’s endorsements from Malaysia’s National Heart Institute, Subang Jaya Medical Centre and Tun Hussein Onn National Eye Hospital and partnerships with the National Kidney Foundation Malaysia and the National Cancer Society of Malaysia have created interest on both national and regional levels.

‘We established partnerships with healthcare provider, Quality Healthcare, Town Health and Lauren Bramley & Partner in Hong Kong in late 2015,’ recalls Beh. ‘These first partnerships enabled us to expand regionally and spurred our more recent ventures into Thailand and Brunei’.

Today, BookDoc’s partners in Singapore include Thompson Medical Group, NTUC Dental, Q&M Dental, Pacific Healthcare and Asian American Radiation Oncology among many others.

The BookDoc app is available in the Apple Apps Store and Google Playstore and Beh has set his sights on future growth.

‘We intend to enter new markets over the next twelve months and we encourage healthcare providers and other partners to partner with us in order for us to grow the ecosystem together,’ says Beh.

https://sites.bookdoc.com

All Hocoma solutions are developed, manufactured and continuously improved in close cooperation with researchers, clinical partners and patient feedback.

With a hub in Singapore, a strong partnership with DIH International in Hong Kong and various local sales partners, Hocoma ensures a strong and successful presence in Asia-Pacific markets.

“With demographic changes happening, the demand for efficient therapies is growing. Our technologies enable healthcare providers to offer higher intensity therapy and thus improve therapy outcomes,” states Gery Colombo, founder and CEO of Hocoma. “We will improve millions of lives by providing functional and efficient solutions that set the standards for human movement therapy.”

We believe that our offering adds value – particularly in the areas of cost effectiveness and efficiencies. Whilst our core competencies remain administration and managed care services, we believe that there will be growth in non-traditional markets especially those in need of proven and efficient technological platforms.

Whilst there are anti-competitive behaviors are prevalent in our markets, our healthcare business is making its unique systems and competencies more available to the market through competitive pricing strategies while explicitly demonstrating the costs savings they generate.

The group continues to track, assess and adapt to legislative developments – particularly with regard to the National Health Insurance (NHI) which will be introduced in South Africa (and possibly neighbouring countries in the future). Whilst these impact how we do business, our focus remains cost containment and the efficient provision of healthcare services to GEMS and other stakeholders.

We are proud of our success with government contracts and we will continue to focus on retaining and expanding this business going forward. Our dedicated operations around government business will also collaborate and leverage their collective expertise in the areas of cost containment and volume.

The increasing volumes in private sector are expected to generate greater margins and, through improved efficiencies, reduced costs albeit across a limited customer base. In this context, our strategies will focus on working more closely with government while playing a positive role in the cost effective delivery of healthcare services.

AfroCentric Health originally acquired its largest health entity, Medscheme Holdings, in 2006 with a view of improving the structural inefficiencies which existed and in anticipation of a leveling of the playing fields in the industry especially in the South African healthcare market. The real value of the Medscheme business lies in the consolidation of the market and the potential expanding within the continent.

Historically, AfroCentric Health has delivered consistent, solid growth and this will not change. Despite the many challenges within our sector, our businesses remain robust and successful. We continue to make substantial progress in laying the foundation for long-term growth and positive shareholder returns.

“We have a business that delivers to our customers, associates, clients, suppliers, shareholders and communities. Recent and future transactions will result in significantly stronger balance sheets as well as stronger executive management team with extensive experience and a proven track record as business developers and entrepreneurs”, says AfroCentric Health Chairman, Dr Anna Mokgokong. The group will continue to exploit the synergies of greater business leadership driven by its well-developed commercial and industry minds.

“Afrocentric Health’s success has been possible due to dedicated, knowledgeable and insightful partners and clients that willingly offer their time and expertise. The core competencies, skills and experience of the executive directors have been gained within the healthcare environment. For this reason we remain convinced that we have the means to unlock further value,” she concludes.

Led by a group of men and women with combined leadership experience and management expertise in healthcare administration, travel, hotel, business process outsourcing, marketing and leisure facilities management, PMTI has done extensive research on the emerging medical tourism industry and envisions the Philippines to be the destination of choice of medical travelers.

PMTI is currently affiliated with top hospitals, specialty clinics, hotels and resorts in the country today.  We seek to expand our network of partnerships with other medical and leisure facilities to continually enhance our offerings for integration services.  We work only with government and internationally accredited establishments because as an integrator, we never compromise when it comes to caring for your health and wellness.

Our catchphrase of “holding your hand through it all” sums up our role in that we are here to guide the medical traveler from the moment he decides to come here until he gets home.

PMTI is an accredited institution of the Department of Tourism and the Philippine Tour Operators Association and affiliated with the Department of Health.