Philips partners with UKE and Pragma to build health check centers for early diagnosis

Targeted for busy professionals the centers will provide a comprehensive health check-up including functional analysis of the heart and lungs and a full body magnetic resonance imaging scan, all carried out as part of a luxury hotel-like experience.

"Healthcare isn't just about repairing the body when it breaks down - it's also about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and increasingly it's about monitoring for potential problems before the patient even knows they're there. The Middle East continues to increase in importance for Philips. This collaboration demonstrates how advanced the healthcare provision in the region has become as well as the important role that we can play in its future."

said Gottfried Dutiné, Executive Vice President and member of the Board of Management, Royal Philips Electronics.

The first center to open will be in the UAE with a further six centers planned over the next three years across the Middle East. UKE's international arm, UKE Consult and Management GmbH (UCM) will be responsible for the clinical management and operation of the centers. Philips will be the technology partner, equipping the clinics with advanced diagnostic and monitoring technology as well as lighting solutions. The Pragma Group is the project's equity partner and management company.

"These centers mark the combination of the best screening facilities, state-of-the-art technology and personal guidance, all in a relaxing environment," said Mathias Goyen, CEO, UKE Consult and Management GmbH. "Our goal will be to provide the best medical prevention with optimum organization to ensure the best outcomes for the customer."

"We look forward to working with Philips and UKE to provide these outstanding centers," said Joe Tabet, chairman, Pragma Group. "This project aligns with our vision of delivering excellence in all our projects and we welcome the prospect of this dynamic partnership."

The prevalence of potentially preventable diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes is set to grow by over 300% by 2025 in the Gulf region . Within Dubai alone the population is projected to swell to nearly two million by 2010, illustrating that demand for quality healthcare is set to continue to increase.

The centers will incorporate technologies including Philips MRI Panorama, Ultrasound, ECG and stress test equipment. Further to the check-up, if any concerns are highlighted, the customer will be advised on lifestyle changes or on further potential medical follow-up if required.