Schneider Electric presents paper on 'How Intelligent Technology Infrastructure Helps Reduce Operating Costs'

The event held from 3-5 March at the Makarim Convention Center, Marriott Hotel Riyadh under the patronage of Dr Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Rabiah, Minister of Health, was organized by the Ministry of Health in conjunction with the Saudi Health Care Architect, a division of the Saudi Umran Society.

As part of the presentation, Graeme Robertson, Global Business Development Director - Healthcare Solutions, Schneider Electric, presented case studies demonstrating how global best practices in the design of an integrated intelligent technology infrastructure can help reduce costs, improve patient care and maximize energy efficiency in hospitals. Schneider Electric also showcased its healthcare solutions at the event with an 18 sq. meters stand.

Robertson said, "The healthcare industry faces the challenge of delivering sustainable public healthcare in the developed and developing countries. In our role as global experts, we believe the provision of efficient technologies is essential to the establishment of a holistic healthcare system. A comprehensive infrastructure can help reduce waste, motivate health workers, improve hospital efficiencies, ensure patients get the right care on the first instance through reducing medical errors and critically identify the requirement of services. An intelligent technology infrastructure will also integrate the healthcare process to support hospitals and medical professionals."

The forum focused on 'New Theoretical and Technical Trends in Health Facilities Design' through hosting seminars, workshops and an exhibition. Key topics taken up for discussion included 'Recent Theories and New Visions in the Planning and Design of Hospitals', 'Advance Technologies in the Field of Hospital Design' and 'Green Architecture and Sustainability in the Field of Designing Hospitals'.

Schneider Electric has over 20 years of experience in providing integrated hospital solutions, which can improve margins by up to 30%. Intelligent solutions such as EcoStruxure help facilities achieve energy efficiency, mitigate risks of electrical incidents with advanced power management, reduce hospital-acquired infections with environmental controls, and secure the pulse of a hospital with integrated security solutions. This in turn leads to a reduction in operating costs and allows for the reallocation of surplus resources to new programmes for patient services.

Ahmed Al Rashoud, Vice President - Corporate Strategy, Business Development and Energy Management Solutions, Schneider Electric - Saudi Arabia, added, "The debut forum served as an excellent platform to showcase our expertise in the healthcare industry. We leveraged the opportunity to expand our customer-base through showcasing our integrated hospital solutions that enhance financial performance and patient services."

The three-day event drew participation from the Ministry of Health, Higher Education, Defence, Interior, as well as government officials, architects, project managers, medical equipment companies, and healthcare providers.