Philips completes install phase for Zambia healthcare infrastructure project
Royal Philips Electronics has completed the installation phase of a seven-year project to modernize the healthcare infrastructure of the Republic of Zambia.
The program, part of the Dutch government’s ORET international development initiative, has seen substantial improvements made to 71 hospitals across the country. It has included the training of more than 200 local hospital staff, creating a sustainable skills base that will ensure a brighter future for the provision of healthcare in the country, according to Philips.
The $38.8 million (€25 million) project included the installation and maintenance of diagnostic imaging equipment including mobile x-ray, fluoroscopy, ultrasound scanners, operating theaters and dental treatment systems.
The Dutch and Zambian governments each contributed 50 percent of the project’s costs.
The program is one of a number of projects included in the ORET international development initiative, which is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which seeks to promote economic growth in developing countries in order to promote sustainable development and effective poverty reduction.
“From the start of the project in 2002 we’ve worked closely with our partners in Zambia to provide much more than just technology solutions – we’ve sought to lay the foundations of an improved system of medical care,” said Paul Smilde, vice president and CFO for Philips Healthcare Middle East, Africa and Central Eastern Europe. “The project has had a tangible and valuable impact on the quality and availability of healthcare in Zambia. This is due to the combined efforts of the Dutch government, the Zambian government and the local project team, which included many local experts.”
Philips said it will continue to maintain the equipment it has installed, and with its partner, Fontys, has implemented a ‘train-the-trainer’ program to ensure that the benefits of the project continue to be realized for many years to come.
The program, part of the Dutch government’s ORET international development initiative, has seen substantial improvements made to 71 hospitals across the country. It has included the training of more than 200 local hospital staff, creating a sustainable skills base that will ensure a brighter future for the provision of healthcare in the country, according to Philips.
The $38.8 million (€25 million) project included the installation and maintenance of diagnostic imaging equipment including mobile x-ray, fluoroscopy, ultrasound scanners, operating theaters and dental treatment systems.
The Dutch and Zambian governments each contributed 50 percent of the project’s costs.
The program is one of a number of projects included in the ORET international development initiative, which is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which seeks to promote economic growth in developing countries in order to promote sustainable development and effective poverty reduction.
“From the start of the project in 2002 we’ve worked closely with our partners in Zambia to provide much more than just technology solutions – we’ve sought to lay the foundations of an improved system of medical care,” said Paul Smilde, vice president and CFO for Philips Healthcare Middle East, Africa and Central Eastern Europe. “The project has had a tangible and valuable impact on the quality and availability of healthcare in Zambia. This is due to the combined efforts of the Dutch government, the Zambian government and the local project team, which included many local experts.”
Philips said it will continue to maintain the equipment it has installed, and with its partner, Fontys, has implemented a ‘train-the-trainer’ program to ensure that the benefits of the project continue to be realized for many years to come.