Dr. Sven-Olaf Vathje

The #ClimateChange and #Health Resolution, which was co-sponsored by the UAE and builds on the #COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate and Health, has been adopted at the 77th World Health Assembly! This outcome is testament to the efforts at COP28 - which put health at the heart of climate discussions for the first time with the first day and ministerial dedicated to health. Together, to build a Green, Smart and safe #Hospital Together, to protect our planet and enhance the culture of Healthcare #sustainability in all Arab Hospitals. Arab Hospitals Federation

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Really enjoyed moderating an esteemed panel of Middle East regulators at the Middle East Summit of HLTH Europe on Thursday this week. The theme was Facilitating Innovation and Demystifying the Regulatory Landscape. This is a crucial, complex, and sometimes scary topic for new entrants to the region who are looking to bring their innovative and disruptive approaches to market. On stage, I was joined by Dr. Mohammed A. the Chief Innovation & Sandbox Officer of the Ministry of Health Saudi Arabia, Dr Osama Elhassan who is Chair of ZIMAM and Health Informatics & E-Health specialist at Dubai Health Authority, Dr WAIL YAR the medical director of the Council Of Health Insurance and Yazid Alazwari who is leading medical device innovation support at the SFDA - هيئة الغذاء والدواء. The panel shared their insights and took some great questions from start ups, scale ups and innovators in the audience. My key takeaways: 🚀 The regulators in the region are proactively encouraging innovation from around the world to come and share their ideas and contribute to the ambitious visions they are tasked to support. Don't be afraid to engage them. 💡 These regulators are endeavoring to enable controlled access to their huge data sets to new entrants to help design and build solutions that are tailored to the local market needs and have maximum impact. Seek out from them what they can share to help tailor and optimize your solutions. 🤝 Fostering collaboration and partnership is part of the DNA of the regulatory community in the region and, as such, new market entrants are not only welcomed but, where possible, supported in their entry through sandbox access, sharing of insights, and even in making connections with the private and public sector eco-system. Build relationships with regulators - they don't bite ;-) The Middle East's wider region has a population of over 400M, and the GCC has over 60M alone. Opportunity abounds. Thankfully, the region's regulators are refreshingly and uniquely supportive of innovators, so make sure you consider this market as you scale your business. Thanks to Ali Hashemi of GluCare.Health and Dr. Meshari F. Alwashmi of amplifAI health for curating the Middle East Summit and to HLTH Europe for organizing an amazing first event in Europe. Thanks to Dr Shabab Alghamdi, Secretary General of Council Of Health Insurance for your inspirational opening keynote and to Dr MICHAEL WALSH, the CEO of Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare (JHAH) who gave closing remarks that reflected on and summed up nicely what was a great morning. #HLTHEurope #EmicaConsulting #HealthcareInnovation #MiddleEastHealthcare

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Saudi Arabia’s bold #healthcare reforms promise valuable lessons for the region and beyond, according to a senior official. In an interview with Arab News, Adeel Kheiri, partner in Oliver Wyman’s India, Middle East and Africa health and life sciences practice, highlighted the #Kingdom’s endeavors in this sector. Vikas Kharbanda, Arthur D. Little’s Middle East partner and healthcare practice lead, told Arab News that very few health systems have managed to “achieve the degree of structural, policy and operations reforms as #SaudiArabia is witnessing at the moment, particularly at the scale and geographical scope.” Read more below👇🏼

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AI-Powered Genomic Medicine's Promise and Challenges Exciting advancements in healthcare are on the horizon, as experts in the #UAE highlight the transformative potential of combining #genomic #medicine with artificial intelligence (#AI). Imane Boudellioua, PhD's research exemplifies the power of this synergy, significantly reducing #diagnosis times for rare genetic diseases from years to just one day. With AI's ability to integrate #data from multiple sources, tailored #treatments based on individual #genetic make-up are within reach, promising more effective and personalized #healthcare solutions. Mohammed Uddin emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary efforts, where AI and #genomic #medicine converge to decode genetic mutations and their impact on protein structure. This understanding enables doctors to administer more personalized medications, marking a significant leap forward in precision medicine. Furthermore, Dr. Ahmad Abou Tayoun, PhD, FACMG's example of AI discovering new antibiotics underscores the potential of AI to combat drug-resistant bacteria, saving lives and revolutionizing disease treatment. However, despite these promising advancements, challenges remain. Major Dr. Mohamed Al Marri highlights the need for robust IT infrastructure to store vast genomic data, while Dr. Hinda Daggag, PhD underscores the importance of establishing clear rules to safeguard patient confidentiality during genomic sequencing. For more information: https://lnkd.in/dNKKFxjg #AI #GenomicMedicine #HealthcareInnovation #PrecisionMedicine #UAEHealthcare #HealthTech

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Surviving the sizzle: UAE's extreme heat decoded. As temperatures in the UAE soar to scorching highs, the challenge isn't just about beating the heat – it's about rewriting the playbook on summer survival strategies. With mercury levels pushing the boundaries, conventional cooling tactics barely scratch the surface. The UAE, a marvel of modern engineering and architectural genius, now faces its most relentless adversary: the sun's unforgiving blaze. But here's the twist – the extreme heat isn't just a hurdle; it's a catalyst for innovation. Cooling fabrics, smart buildings, and hydration science are not just buzzwords but essential tools in our arsenal against the heat. Embracing these can transform our experience from surviving to thriving in the UAE's summer. Let's dive deeper. Cooling fabrics are not just about comfort; they're a testament to how far textile technology has come, blending tradition with innovation to keep us cool. Smart buildings, on the other hand, go beyond aesthetics. They're designed to outsmart the heat, using less energy and reducing our carbon footprint. And when it comes to hydration, it's not just about drinking water. It's about understanding our body's signals and preemptively managing our hydration levels with the right electrolytes and nutrients. So, as the temperatures continue to rise, let's shift our perspective. Let's view this extreme heat not as a daunting challenge but as an opportunity to innovate, adapt, and thrive. Eager to beat the heat with innovation? Share your thoughts or strategies on how we can turn the UAE's scorching summers into a season of discovery and resilience. #entrepreneurship #sustainability #healthcare #entrepreneurship #mentorship #community #communities #family #helpingothers #givingback #leadership #linkedinprofiles #socialentrepreneurship #communitybuilding #linkedinstories

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Despite high rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, less than 1% of genetic variation research comes from the Middle East. The UAE Healthy Future Study (UAEHFS), launched by NYU Abu Dhabi in 2016, aims to change that by examining how lifestyle, environment, and genetics affect the health of UAE nationals. This long-term study has already recruited over 14,260 participants and produced 47 peer-reviewed articles, offering insights into regional health issues. Key findings include the potential adverse effects of incense (bakhoor) on the oral microbiome and the link between early-life risk factors and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). These discoveries enable targeted public health interventions and highlight the importance of vigilant glucose monitoring in high-risk pregnancies. Supported by local health authorities and universities, the UAEHFS is building a rich research platform to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic diseases. Leveraging region-specific data can transform the healthcare landscape and create a healthier future for the Middle East. #MiddleEast #Healthcare #PublicHealth #MedicalResearch

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💡Did you know that according to American Heart Association depression can increase the risk of heart disease by up to 40%? 💡Did you know that sadness can literally break your heart? A recent article discusses a woman who suffered a heart attack after hearing about her daughter's fingers being amputated. Doctors warn that sadness releases stress hormones that can cause coronary artery constriction and heart attacks, especially for people already at risk for heart disease. This story highlights the importance of emotional well-being for overall health. Here are some tips for managing sadness and anxiety: ▪️Acknowledge your feelings. Don't bottle them up. ▪️Talk to someone you trust. A friend, family member, therapist - talking can help you process your emotions. ▪️Practice self-care. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly. ▪️Find healthy coping mechanisms. Exercise, relaxation techniques, spending time in nature, or creative outlets can all be helpful. If you're struggling with sadness or anxiety, don't hesitate to reach out for professional help. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Let me know in the comments below what other tips you have for managing sadness and anxiety. #mentalhealth #selfcare #hearthealth #stressmanagement

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The Council Of Health Insurance recently put out their #WhitePaper on "Measuring Meaningful Patient Outcomes" - in essence, their strategy on how patient-relevant outcomes will be captured in Saudi Arabia as part of their long term vision to focus on patient centricity more deeply. Here are my 5 key takeaways: 🏥 Integration into Healthcare System: The white paper highlights the importance of integrating Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (#PROMs) into the healthcare system to enhance patient-centered care and improve clinical outcomes. This integration aims to ensure that patients' perspectives are systematically included in healthcare decision-making processes. 🚦 Phased Implementation Approach: A phased approach to implementing PROMs is recommended. This strategy includes initial pilot projects, followed by broader adoption across various healthcare settings. The phased approach helps in identifying challenges and refining the process before full-scale implementation. 🔖 Standardization and Benchmarking: The document emphasizes the need for standardizing PROMs to allow for consistent #datacollection and benchmarking across different healthcare providers. This standardization facilitates comparison and helps in identifying best practices and areas needing improvement. 🤝 Stakeholder Engagement: Effective #engagement and #collaboration with all stakeholders, including #patients, #HealthcareProviders, and #policymakers, are critical for the successful implementation of PROMs. The paper outlines strategies for involving these stakeholders to ensure that the measures are relevant and beneficial. 👏 Impact on Quality of Care: The implementation of PROMs is expected to lead to significant improvements in the #qualityofcare. By capturing patients' experiences and outcomes, healthcare providers can tailor treatments more effectively, leading to better patient satisfaction and health outcomes​ #HealthEconomics #Pharmacoeconomics #PatientFirst #PRO #PatientReportedOutcomes #MarketAccess #Pricing #SaudiArabia

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I was incredibly humbled to have been asked to speak at the Abu Dhabi Global Health Week on #GenAI in Healthcare. 🙌 The conference brought together leaders from all over the globe to the #UAE to discuss some of the world’s biggest #healthcare challenges. I met many leaders to discuss their challenges, especially with Data, AI, GenAI, talent and adoption. During my talk, I covered the opportunity for GenAI within healthcare across the value chain. There are many! Though saying that, many healthcare companies will struggle with adoption 😕 being held back by things such as alignment, mindset, capabilities, focus, tech, data, AND risk 😱  Some of the practical things that healthcare companies should think about: 🔸 What’s the plan? What is the north star for AI and GenAI - where should they focus - what domain should they try to reimagine with this technology ⭐️ 🔹 What’s the (product) way of working? How should healthcare companies change their ways of working to be more patient / clinician / user / customer-focused vs tech-first 🤜 🤛 🔸 What about the tech? How do healthcare companies keep up with the rapid pace of innovation? 🏃‍♀️ 🔹 What about the data? How should they think about data privacy - what about quality? Without (good and high-quality) data, the output of these GenAI models will be meh 🤮 🔸 What about talent and skills? How should healthcare companies think about upskilling and reskilling their workforce? What other kinds of partnerships do they need? Finally... 🔹 How do healthcare companies manage RISK? There are LOTS of risks - especially given the technology hallucinates 😱, and has documented issues like bias - how do healthcare companies ensure they are being “responsible” - how do they do good vs bad 👮‍♀️ Afterwards, my amazing colleagues Lars Hartenstein and Panco Georgiev, MD, PhD joined me for an open mic Q&A with our incredible audience. It was great to engage with the audience and address core concerns that were top of mind, such as ethics, data bias, transparency and pace of change. In summary, there are many potential opportunities for GenAI in healthcare, but please, folks, weigh out the risks and how you manage and mitigate them. Good luck 🙏 #ADGHW #AbuDhabiGlobalHealthWeek #QuantumBlack QuantumBlack, AI by McKinsey McKinsey & Company 

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Private equity and venture capital investment in India’s health and pharmaceutical sector reached a record high of approximately $5.5 billion in 2023, with this trend continuing into 2024. The rise in spending power among Indian consumers has led to a significant increase in the demand for quality healthcare. With more disposable income, people can now afford premium medical services, advanced treatments, and regular preventive care. This financial capability has driven the expansion of private health insurance, giving more individuals access to top-notch healthcare facilities. Additionally, greater health awareness and education are prompting a focus on preventive measures and managing lifestyle diseases, further boosting the need for high-quality medical services. Urbanisation and changing lifestyles have raised expectations for superior healthcare, pushing providers to enhance their facilities and technologies. As a result, there is a growing demand for specialised care in fields like oncology, cardiology, and neurology, as well as holistic health services such as mental health and wellness programs. This surge in demand is transforming India's healthcare sector, leading to better access to and provision of high-quality healthcare. India is on the rise, Will this be the ‘Indian Century’? https://lnkd.in/gt4mxctP

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I am privileged to participate in Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week 2024 and become one of the panelists of the topic "Charting Biopharma's Strategic Future" with Dr Vivek Muthu, Adam Koppel, William Warr PhD OBE and Jon Symonds. Qiming has invested in series companies, which focused on using AI, innovative pre-clinical models and digitization tools to improve drug development. These advancements enable us to streamline drug discovery, preclinical validation, and clinical trials, ultimately making the entire process more efficient and effective. I am confident that through our collective efforts and expertise, we can continue to drive innovation in the biopharma industry and improve patient outcomes. #AbuDhabiGlobalHealthcareWeek2024 #BiopharmaInnovation #DrugDevelopment #Biopharma #Qiming #Innovation #Technology #Drugdiscovery #Preclinical #ClinicalTrial #AI #Digitization #Efficiency

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🌟 Resilience in Adversity: UAE's Proactive Leadership Shines 🌟 🌧️ In the wake of the extraordinary rainfall event in Dubai on April 15-16, 2024, which saw record-breaking precipitation levels, it's crucial to recognize the context and scale of this natural event. If the volumes of water that fell on Dubai had occurred anywhere else in the world, the consequences could have been far more devastating. This speaks volumes about the UAE's infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness. 🏗️ The UAE is not just a global leader in economics and innovation, but also in its readiness for natural calamities. Such events do not detract from the nation's capabilities; instead, they highlight the robust crisis management and proactive measures in place. Criticizing or using these events as a point of attack against the UAE overlooks the substantial efforts and investments in safety and infrastructure resilience that the Emirates have made. 💪 Let's not diminish the hard work of countless individuals and the leadership that continually positions the UAE at the pinnacle of global standards. Disasters can strike anywhere and at any time, but the strength of a country lies in its response and the unwavering spirit of its people. The UAE remains the best, irrespective of challenges—always striving, always leading. We stand with the UAE, confident in its ability to overcome challenges and emerge stronger, maintaining its status as a beacon of resilience and excellence. 🔥 Often, detractors attack the UAE because they cannot achieve what the Emirates have accomplished in excelling at everything. Instead of working to reach similar heights, they choose to criticize. #UAE_Resilience #DubaiRain2024 #Leadership #Infrastructure #CrisisManagement #Innovation #GlobalLeaders #EmergencyPreparedness #StrongerTogether #Excellence

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The UAE's commitment to healthcare excellence shines through groundbreaking initiatives led by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and healthcare authorities. From disease prevention to comprehensive health education, these efforts prioritize the well-being of citizens, patients, and visitors alike. Recent milestones include the National Prediabetes and Diabetes Screening campaign, integrating artificial intelligence for early detection and lifestyle insights. The 'Positive and Healthy Work Environment - Check' initiative underscores the nation's dedication to employee well-being, aiming to address chronic illnesses and foster a health-conscious workforce. Moreover, the UAE's dedication to early detection initiatives, maternal and child health programs, and efforts towards hepatitis eradication showcase its progressive leadership in public health. With an ambitious National Genome Strategy on the horizon, the UAE is paving the way for a healthier future. #Healthcare #UAE #Innovation

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Saudi Arabia’s localization plan is reshaping consultancy sector - and more beyond The Kingdom has pioneered telemedicine and e-health services, enabling virtual consultations and remote surgeries to reach the farthest communities. Plan a huge opportunity for Saudi Arabia to boost local jobs and reduce its reliance on foreign workers As Saudi Arabia embarks on a journey aimed at boosting job opportunities for citizens, the localization plan for consultancy professions and businesses plays a crucial role. In October 2022, the Kingdom’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development issued a decision mandating that from the end of March 2024, 40 percent of workers in firms in this sector must be Saudi nationals. The decision targeted all professions in the sector, most notably financial advisory specialists, business advisers, and cybersecurity advisory specialists, as well as project management managers, engineers, and specialists. This targeted localization, or Saudization, is part of the cooperation between the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and supervising bodies, represented by the Ministry of Finance, the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority, the Expenditure and Project Efficiency Authority, and the Human Resources Development Fund. The collaboration aims to elevate the presence of cadres in the sector and boost the percentage of Saudis, contributing to the development of local content in this strategic sector. It also seeks to organize the labor market. The ministry is meant to support private sector establishments in several ways, including helping them in hiring Saudis by supporting the training and qualification of employees, as well as supporting employment procedures and other initiatives. On a similar note, the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority is required to follow up on the commitment to include Saudization requirements in consulting contracts. It has also issued a guide that clarifies the details of localizing the consultancy sector and professions, and the mechanism of implementing it. Reshaping the consultancy sector Azeem Zainulbhai, co-founder and chief product officer at talent-on-demand platform Outsized, believes the Saudization rules in the sector will help keep more money in the Kingdom, even though training costs could increase. “This move means less reliance on experts from abroad in key fields like finance, project management and cybersecurity. Essentially, it’s about creating more jobs for Saudis in important, well-paying sectors and making sure they're trained for these roles,” he told Arab News. “The end objective is to get better at handling projects and business dealings that are specific to Saudi culture and regulations, stimulate private sector growth, and foster a knowledge-based economy ultimately making companies more efficient and competitive globally,” the co-founder emphasized. By Reem Walid Repost by Salem Bagami

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The UAE provides an excellent platform for growth, but it is crucial to approach it with thorough research, meticulous planning, and a prudent mindset. Instead of chasing empty promises, it's crucial to prioritize building a strong strategy and surrounding yourself with the right advisors. 💪 What are your thoughts on navigating business acquisitions and investments? #BusinessAcquisition #AdvisoryServices #UAEbusiness #MiddleEastExpansion #DubaiOpportunities #BusinessGrowth #StrategicPartnerships #InvestmentOpportunities #DubaiBusiness #MiddleEastMarket

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HealthTech Investment has seen its ups and downs over the past decade. From the dizzying heights of 2021-2022 to the slump of 2023, There have been many learnings from the mistakes made in this unique industry. I occasionally get asked by Investors and #VentureCapital for my clinical opinion about a potential investment as part of the due diligence process. 🏥 Healthcare is fundamentally a unique industry: 1. There are far more regulations. 2. Sales and procurement cycles are longer. 3. Public health budgets are often restricted. 4. Regulatory approval is complex to navigate. 5. There are many stakeholders that needs to be involved. 6. There are significant cost associated with evidence generation. 💰 All the above simply means that #Founders need to raise a significant sum of money to compensate for the mandatory costs needed. 📈 And with that, comes greater risks. _________________________________________ Below is a helpful framework that I use to critically think through any #HealthTech company that I have to evaluate. Michaël Cardinal and his team at TherAppX have put together this brilliant checklist - and I am delighted to work with him together on this. 🤗 We hope this will be of help to the network. 👇 What else would you add to the framework below? Dr Fiona Pathiraja-Møller | Michelle Tempest | Hayden Ng | Kai Nicol-Schwarz | Emily Casey | Ian Coyne | Molly Gilmartin

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