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Healthcare Access

Healthcare for all starts with a system that’s accessible, patient-centered, and built for the future. 
Improving access to healthcare is a collaborative effort. Patients, physicians, and local institutions are uniquely positioned to identify and tackle the most pressing challenges within their communities. When technology and innovation are thoughtfully implemented, they become powerful tools to transform lives and deliver meaningful outcomes. 

Solutions to improve healthcare access are inherently local, addressing the unique needs of each community. Explore the stories of remarkable leaders and find inspiration for a future where healthcare access is within reach for all.

Early diagnosis

When healthcare access is limited, it can create a dangerous and costly cycle in which late diagnosis and therapy lead to suboptimal health outcomes.

Prof. Richard Booton, MD, Director of the Greater Manchester Lung Cancer Screening Program, discusses an initiative piloted in 2016 to offer lung screenings at football stadiums and community centers, reducing barriers to cancer screening. Over 100,000 patients have been screened to date, and the program is now expanding nationwide, aiming to reach over 6 million people across the UK by 2029.

Aarthi Scans & Labs, India's largest diagnostic network, offers affordable diagnostic services to underserved communities through over 60 imaging and lab centers therefore better enabling early diagnosis. Annually, the network supports improved health outcomes and reduced treatment costs for over 2 million patients. Dr. Aarthi Prasanna shares her family's vision of making healthcare accessible to all.

Comprehensive care

When care is fragmented and barriers to treatment persist, patients may face gaps in care and accessibility challenges, leading to untreated conditions and increased health risks.

The PER SUS project, launched by Brazil's Ministry of Health in 2012, invested in 92 LINACs to expand access to radiotherapy nationwide. Infrastructure updates and improved protocols are expected to reduce the number of therapy sessions per patient, allowing more patients to be treated each day. Today, the program enables treatment for 55,000 new cancer patients annually.

David J. Cole, MD, FACS, from the Medical University of South Carolina, speaks about the importance of community and partnership in addressing the needs of underserved rural areas. Mobile breast cancer screenings, along with timely diagnoses and necessary follow-up, are crucial. Providing local resources to engage patients and ensure follow-up care improves health outcomes while reducing costs.

Workforce training and education

The ongoing shortage of healthcare workers is a significant obstacle to expanding access to medical care. This shortage hampers the effective operation of medical technologies and limits the quality of care.

Alameda Healthcare, Egypt, is committed to bringing their healthcare services across Africa and the Middle East. A 7-year partnership focused on workforce education and training is key to enhancing healthcare quality and scaling access beyond Egypt.

The best staff is the workforce that serves in their own communities. Listen to Dr. Aarthi Prasanna how AarthiScans & Labs ensures a standardized and high level of education in one of the largest diagnostic centers in India.

The importance of partnerships

Partnerships with organizations like Radiology Across Borders, City Cancer Challenge and World Stroke Organization are critical to address the needs of the most vulnerable communities. Our strong partners play a significant role in accelerating global health by building capacity, delivering health programs and strengthening health systems.

The statements by Siemens’ customers described herein are based on results that were achieved in the customer’s unique setting. Since there is no “typical” hospital and many variables exist (e.g. hospital size, case mix, level of IT adoption) there can be no guarantee that other customers will achieve the same results.