GE Healthcare's innovation and multi-modality technologies at Arab Health 2007

Building on GE Healthcare's global vision for the future, 'Healthcare Re-imagined,' the company is unveiling an extensive range of diagnostic imaging technologies and solutions including an innovative range of computed tomography (CT) scanners, magnetic resonance (MR) systems, superior X-ray imaging systems and applications, maternal-infant care solutions, the next-generation digital mammography equipment, molecular imaging systems and a comprehensive array of IT solutions that enable digital data management.

'With the introduction of these new technologies and solutions to the region, we are strengthening the healthcare initiatives of the governments and the private sector here, in their goal to create the right infrastructure to address healthcare concerns such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and breast cancer,' said Isam Moursy, General Manager at GE Healthcare for the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and Turkey (MEACAT) region.

He added: 'These modern diseases are on the rise in the region but can be effectively regulated through early medical intervention. GE's advanced technologies will help clinicians address these problems effectively and help transform healthcare delivery to pre-symptomatic and earlier disease detection.'

GE's comprehensive portfolio to be highlighted at Arab Health 2007 range from the new LightSpeed™ VCT XT - providing up to a 70 per cent reduction in dose per exam independent of heart rate; and the next generation of the company's smallest, multi detector BrightSpeed™ CT scanner - the Select series; Discovery™ VCT - the world's first true 64-slice combination positron emission tomography and volume computed tomography (PET/CT) system; and Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging with Signa™ HD with PROPELLER-HD.

GE also launches its new Innova® 3131IQ digital flat panel Biplane Imaging System. GE's Innova® 3131Q is the first system available that will cover the full size of the patient's lateral and frontal anatomy simultaneously for a variety of diagnostic and interventional procedures, which can be done with fewer X-ray images and contrast injections - both significant benefits for the patient.

Also highlighted is LOGIQ P5, the new premium performance ultrasound system, ideal for portable radiology department applications as well as private practices and specialized clinics, and Voluson E8 - the next generation of GE's Voluson ultrasound platform.

GE's Centricity™ portfolio ranges from radiology and image management systems to clinical and cardiovascular information technologies PACS IT workflow solutions. GE's innovative technologies and solutions are expected to introduce a new level to the healthcare industry and have a profound impact on medical diagnostics in the Middle East.

'Our expertise in medical imaging and information technologies, medical diagnostics, patient monitoring systems, performance improvement, drug discovery, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing technologies is helping clinicians around the world re-imagine new ways to predict, diagnose, inform and treat disease, so their patients can live their lives to the fullest,'

said Moursy.

GE is investing about US$1 billion in research and development annually. 'This is relevant to the Middle East, which today has several healthcare drivers such as a strong private sector, an emerging health tourism sector, enterprise selling and shifts in health insurance policies,' said Moursy. 'Our 'Healthcare Re-imagined' approach will encourage healthcare providers and the public to shift their focus from late disease to early health, which potentially offers more treatment options.'

GE will share its expertise with medical practitioners and healthcare professionals at Arab Health. 'We believe in sustained interaction with the healthcare professionals in the region to continue to develop our technologies to suit their needs,' added Moursy. 'The Middle East Imaging and Diagnostic Congress, of which we are Gold Sponsors, will serve as a platform for the region's professionals to learn about new techniques and diagnostic imaging applications.'

GE is expanding its presence in the Middle East region with the opening its UAE corporate headquarters that will also serve as the regional base for GE Healthcare. The range of GE's cutting edge technologies is on display at GE's stand at D20 in Hall No. 4.