Another pioneering initiative by Al Zahra, the 3.0 Tesla scanner from Phillips Medical Systems spells numerous benefits over the older MRI systems currently installed at the country's healthcare facilities - Both patients and doctors are expected to benefit immensely from this advancement

Sharjah, 22 February 2007: In a move that will revolutionize the diagnostics in the region, Al Zahra Hospital has announced that it is acquiring the world's most advanced commercially available MRI equipment. The 3.0 Tesla MRI scanner from Philips Medical Systems is the first of its kind in the UAE and will offer numerous benefits over its predecessor. His Highness, Dr. Faisal Bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Chairman of Al Zahra Hospital was present at the occasion and signed the contract for the purchase of the equipment with Diederik Zeven, GM Middle East for Phillips Medical System.

Speaking on the occasion, H.H. Dr. Faisal Bin Khalid Al Qassimi said: "Keeping abreast of advancements in medical technology is one of the key indicators of the progress of a nation and Al Zahra Hospital has been a first-adopter of such breakthroughs from its inception. I am happy to announce that we are continuing this tradition with the installation of the first 3.0T MRI at our Sharjah establishment. It will empower the diagnostic capabilities of our consultants and will spell long term benefits to our patients.

Also present at the press conference, His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Faisal Al Qassimi , Managing Director of Al Zahra Hospital, said: "The adoption of 3.0T MRI scanner at Al Zahra Hospital, costing AED 8 million, aptly demonstrates our commitment to the welfare of our patients as it overcomes many drawbacks of the older MRI scanners. The installation of this equipment will also benefit the medical community immensely as it gives them access to one of the world's most advanced diagnostic tools, right here in the UAE."

Quantum leap in patient benefits:

Explaining the advantages of the equipment over its predecessor, Diederik Zeven said: "There are several aspects of the diagnostic process where the 3.0T MRI scanner scores over the earlier machines. Whether it is time saving, better imaging or real-time production of scan results, this new MRI scanner is a generational change over the earlier versions of these machines, currently in use in the UAE."

The Philips Achieva 3.0T (Tesla - standard MR strength measure) MR scanner is the most compact whole-body 3.0T system available. The system offers complete and innovative applications in neurological, musculoskeletal, abdominal imaging, as well as vascular and cardiac studies. The clinical benefits of the Philips Achieva 3.0T include spectacular signal-to-noise ratio and image detail, which enable clinicians to see anatomical structures and details that are simply not visible at lower field strengths. Add to this faster scan speeds, pulse sequences, improved coverage and increased patient comfort, and we have an equipment that gives both doctors and patients several advantages in clinical imaging.

Installation of the 64-slice computed tomography (CT) system:

Al Zahra also announced that the hospital will be getting a 64-slice CT scanner. The Brilliance 64-channel configuration breaks through previous boundaries in CT imaging, providing large volume, thin-slice coverage to improve diagnostic confidence, image quality and productivity.

With 40mm of thin-slice coverage, the 64-channel broadens horizons in cardiac imaging, allowing for unprecedented coronary artery evaluation. The 64-channel configuration also provides breakthrough performance in advanced pulmonary imaging, multi-organ trauma evaluation and low-dose pediatric applications to boost clinical capabilities to the highest level attainable.

-Ends- 

About Al Zahra Hospital
Al Zahra Hospital Sharjah was established in 1980 by the Gulf Medical Projects Company. This 100 bed hospital was the first and largest private general hospital in the UAE. For the convenience of patients in Dubai, the Al Zahra Private Medical Centre was established in 1993.

Patient care is our primary concern. Both inpatient and outpatient services endeavour to meet international standards. Moreover, the facilities remain under constant review to incorporate the latest techniques and equipment.

After the completion of 125 bed hospital at Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Zahra will become the largest establishment of UAE in private health sector.    

About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a global leader in healthcare, lifestyle and technology, delivering products, services and solutions through the brand promise of "sense and simplicity". Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 121,700 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 27 billion in 2006, the company is a market leader in medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring systems, energy efficient lighting solutions, personal care and home appliances, as well as consumer electronics. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter. 

For further information kindly contact:
Al Zahra Hospital,
Sharjah
Dr. Muhammad Tariq Mehmood
06- 5624382
Email; alzahra@alzahra.com

Ms. Rohini Rego
050-3823556 
Email; rohini@partnershipme.com

For further information please contact:
Galia Rizk- PR Manager
Philips Electronics Middle East & Africa
Tel: +971 4 3095155/Mob: +971 50 625 82 03
Email: galia.rizk@philips.com

© Press Release 2007