Vision, Innovation, and AI: Shaping the Future of Healthcare
Hospitals Magazine had the privilege of speaking with Vivek Kanade, Managing Director of Siemens Healthineers for the Middle East and Africa, during Arab Health 2025. With over 31 years at Siemens Healthineers, Kanade shares insights on the company’s vision, technological advancements, AI integration, and the evolving healthcare landscape in the region.
Can you tell us about your background and journey with Siemens Healthineers?
I have been with Siemens Healthineers for 31 years, working across different regions, including India, Germany, and Singapore. For the past 18 months, I have been leading the Middle East and Africa operations. Throughout my journey, I have witnessed the evolution of healthcare technologies and how Siemens Healthineers has continuously pioneered breakthroughs in the industry.
What is the vision of Siemens Healthineers, and how does it align with the Middle East and Africa?
Our vision is encapsulated in our purpose statement: “We pioneer breakthroughs in healthcare. For everyone. Everywhere.”
While Siemens Healthineers has long been recognized for its innovation, quality, and robustness, our goal is to ensure that these breakthroughs reach all communities, including underserved regions.
Globally, more than 3.5 billion people still lack access to quality healthcare.
This issue is not limited to developing nations; even in advanced economies, rural and peripheral areas struggle with accessibility. We are addressing this challenge through a multi-faceted approach—providing advanced products, financial services, AI-driven solutions, and training programs to bridge the gap.
How does Siemens Healthineers tackle the shortage of skilled healthcare professionals?
The shortage of medical professionals is one of the most pressing challenges in global healthcare. To address this, we have developed solutions that optimize efficiency and reduce dependency on highly skilled resources.
One of our flagship innovations is the Single Virtual Cockpit, which allows trained professionals in urban centers to remotely operate complex imaging systems, such as MRI and CT scanners, installed in remote locations. This technology has been successfully implemented in Brazil, where a central command center in São Paulo manages 70 MRI units located in smaller towns. Instead of requiring over 200 technologists, just 15 experts remotely oversee operations, ensuring standardized image quality and minimizing service disruptions.
Furthermore, we integrate AI-assisted diagnostics, which categorize scans based on complexity, enabling radiologists to focus on cases that require immediate attention. In addition, our education and training programs, often in collaboration with leading universities, help build a sustainable pipeline of healthcare professionals.
Innovation is a key driver at Siemens Healthineers. Can you share some of your latest advancements in healthcare technology?
Innovation at Siemens Healthineers is focused on two primary goals: enhancing clinical outcomes and making technology more accessible and scalable.
One of our most groundbreaking developments is Photon-Counting CT technology, which significantly improves diagnostic capabilities. Traditional CT scans struggle to provide clear imaging in patients with high calcium buildup in their arteries. However, with Photon-Counting CT, we can visualize internal structures with unprecedented clarity, eliminating the need for invasive angiograms in many cases.
Another breakthrough is the Magnetom Flow MRI system, which eliminates the need for 3,000 liters of liquid helium—previously essential for MRI scanners. Instead, this next-generation MRI uses less than a liter of liquid helium in a sealed system, drastically reducing infrastructure and maintenance requirements. This means that MRI units can now be installed in smaller hospitals and rural clinics, expanding access to advanced imaging technology.
How does AI integration enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency?
AI is becoming an integral part of modern healthcare, but rather than replacing professionals, it acts as an enabler—enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and consistency.
At Siemens Healthineers, we leverage AI in multiple areas, from imaging and diagnostics to workflow optimization. Our AI algorithms have been trained on over one billion medical images, making them some of the most advanced in the industry. These algorithms assist radiologists by highlighting anomalies, prioritizing urgent cases, and reducing human error. A great analogy for AI in healthcare is that of a screwdriver—it’s a tool that helps professionals do their jobs faster and better. While AI will never replace radiologists or physicians, it will continue to serve as an essential partner in delivering high-quality healthcare.
Siemens Healthineers has a strong focus on partnerships and collaboration. How do these alliances drive success in the Middle East?
Collaboration is at the heart of healthcare innovation. We work closely with government entities, private healthcare providers, and academic institutions to develop solutions tailored to the region’s unique needs.
One of our most ambitious partnerships is with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), where we are establishing a centralized imaging repository. This system will connect both public and private hospitals, ensuring that every patient’s imaging history is accessible across the network. By streamlining medical data, we improve continuity of care, reduce redundant scans, and enhance treatment planning.
How do hospitals in the region adopt Siemens Healthineers’ new technologies?
Adoption in the Middle East is exceptionally fast. The region is known for being an early adopter of cutting-edge technologies, which is why innovations such as Photon-Counting CT and Magnetom Flow MRI are expected to be implemented here in a matter of months.
However, technology alone isn’t enough—training is crucial. We provide extensive training through dedicated centers and reference sites, where healthcare professionals can gain hands-on experience with our latest innovations. Additionally, our in-hospital clinical specialists provide on-site training whenever a new system is installed.
How do you see the healthcare market evolving in the Middle East?
The Middle East’s healthcare market is dynamic and growing rapidly. Governments and private investors are actively driving advancements in medical infrastructure, AI adoption, and digital health initiatives.
The focus is on scaling up healthcare services while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency.
We are witnessing a shift towards value-based care, where the emphasis is on patient outcomes rather than just service volume. This aligns well with Siemens Healthineers’ strategy of integrating AI, remote technologies, and precision medicine into everyday healthcare.
Finally, what are your thoughts on Arab Health 2025?
Arab Health continues to solidify its position as one of the most influential healthcare events worldwide. The level of engagement, discussions, and partnerships formed here demonstrate the region’s commitment to advancing healthcare. The energy this year has been incredible. We are thrilled to showcase our latest innovations and collaborate with industry leaders to shape the future of healthcare in the Middle East and beyond.
“Hospitals” Magazine thanks Vivek Kanade for his insights and looks forward to seeing how Siemens Healthineers continues to drive innovation in global healthcare.
