Briefly tell us about your organisation and its activities in the healthcare industry, notably in the Middle East region

Olympus is a globally renowned company specializing in the manufacturing and distribution of precision medical equipment and technology solutions. With a robust presence in the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa, we are deeply committed to advancing healthcare by providing innovative endoscopy and imaging solutions. Our dedication to the region extends to supporting healthcare professionals in delivering top-notch patient care through state-of-the-art products and services. Through Olympus Continuum, a comprehensive educational platform that offers a diverse array of programs and training experiences, we aim to assist healthcare professionals in expanding their clinical expertise and refining their procedural skills. Our mission is to empower HCPs to excel in their practice, upholding the highest standards of patient care and safety. At Olympus, we are committed to Our Purpose of making people’s lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling.

What are your thoughts on the current market trends? If possible, please predicts the sectors poised for growth.

Sustainability and ESG are increasingly taking the spotlight, and the Medtech sector is ripe with generative AI opportunities. The convergence of healthcare and Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises a profound impact on diagnostics, drug discovery, and personalized medicine. With our recent acquisition of Odin Vision, Olympus is primed to introduce state-of-the-art AI-powered real-time diagnostic solutions tailored for minimally invasive procedures. Additionally, our platform will provide data-driven insights that promise to revolutionize patient care. This advancement will not only streamline clinical and procedural workflows but also signifies a substantial stride in our deepening commitment to digital health. The collaborative and efficient teamwork cultivated through this approach is set to elevate patient care through data-driven strategies.

Our vision extends beyond borders to the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa (META), where healthcare providers can reap significant benefits from data-enriched software solutions. This comprehensive approach spans the entire endoscopic workflow, encompassing preparation, procedure, and post-procedural analysis. The potential impact of this initiative is substantial, particularly in bolstering the capabilities of healthcare professionals and enhancing informed decision-making, with AI as a crucial ally. Together, we stand on the precipice of ushering in a transformative era in the META medical landscape.

Please highlight your portfolio and/or services. What sets you apart from others in the region’s competitive market?

We Olympus, a leading global Medtech company providing innovative solutions for medical and surgical procedures, offers a comprehensive range of products and services spanning various sectors. Our unwavering commitment to innovation and quality is the bedrock of our offerings:

Medical Technology: Olympus stands as a leading provider of endoscopy and minimally invasive surgical equipment. Our portfolio encompasses flexible endoscopes, imaging systems, and equipment, empowering healthcare professionals to execute precise and minimally invasive procedures.

What Sets Us Apart: Innovation is ingrained in Olympus's DNA. Our substantial investments in research and development ensure that we remain at the forefront of our respective fields. Our products are celebrated for their exceptional quality, durability, and unwavering reliability. This legacy is the result of decades of dedication to delivering top-tier solution to our valued customers. With a far-reaching global presence, we have cultivated a network that spans the region and beyond. This expansive network enables us to deliver timely and effective support, services, and products, tailor-made to address the distinctive requirements of diverse markets. We also extend comprehensive customer support, encompassing professional education, training, technical assistance, and maintenance services. This resolute commitment to post-purchase support ensures that our partners and customers derive maximum value from their investments. Olympus is also at the frontline of digital innovation, embracing technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven insights to transform diagnostics and enrich patient care. As stated earlier, our recent acquisition of Odin Vision exemplifies our forward-thinking approach in the realm of digital health. In summary, our dedication to advancing technology in healthcare, research, and industry ensures that we remain a trusted partner in the region's competitive market, providing cutting-edge solutions to our customers.

Tell us about your recent achievements and accolades.

We Olympus continues to strengthen its digital health strategy with the acquisition of Odin Vision, advancing towards AI-powered real-time diagnosis. Our commitment to innovation is reflected in the introduction of EndoClot Hemostatic Agents in the Europe, Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa (EMETA) region, providing advanced solutions for gastrointestinal procedures. Additionally, we've expanded our advanced energy portfolio in the EMETA region with the launch of the POWERSEAL Sealer/Divider, recognized with a GOOD DESIGN® Award for its exceptional design quality and innovation.

Furthermore, a recent long-term study on the iTind procedure, spanning over four years, underscores the procedure's efficacy for IPSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) and QoL (Quality of Life), with durability extending up to 6.6 years. The study revealed that only two out of 50 patients required subsequent surgical intervention between months 36 and 79 after initial iTind treatment. No late post-operative complications were reported, and patients did not return to BPH medication.

Additionally, Olympus has embarked on a Development Support Project in Kenya for Gastrointestinal Disease Diagnosis. This project, endorsed by the National Center for Global Health and Medicine under the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan, is part of the "Projects for Global Growth of Medical Technologies in 2023." Running from July 2023 to January 2024 at Kenyatta National Hospital and other major medical institutions, the project aims to enhance diagnostic capabilities for gastrointestinal diseases. Japanese physicians will share their expertise and provide training to Kenyan doctors and future endoscopists, further strengthening our commitment to global healthcare advancement.

Give us an insight into your investments and partnerships, as well as your plans for 2024

We are actively forging partnerships with medical institutions throughout the region to bolster our training, professional development, and educational initiatives. We recognize significant gaps in education and remain committed to substantial investments in this area. Our overarching goal is to raise the bar in healthcare standards, with a dual focus on advancing both diagnostic practices and therapeutic treatments. Our primary objective is to ensure that the latest advancements in cancer treatments and cutting-edge technologies are accessible to healthcare professionals in the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa. In doing so, we intend to elevate awareness, primarily among public institutions and governmental health entities within the region. 

What will you be showcasing at Arab Health 2024, and what opportunities are you looking forward to?

From our surgical portfolio, we will be showcasing, amongst others, our latest product launches VISERA ELITE III Surgical Visualization Platform. An innovative and open solution bringing together multiple observation modes for future-proof endoscopic surgery. POWERSEAL Sealer/Divider, supports the treatment of colon, stomach, lung, and other major types of cancer – but also non-cancer conditions – and can therefore be applied in various medical specialties, from lower to upper gastrointestinal surgery and gynecology, as well as in urology and other areas. iTind, a non-surgical device for the minimally invasive treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). The treatment provides long-lasting relief of more than four years for people suffering from the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, CELERIS, Disposable Sinus Debrider, a single-use microdebrider is designed for ENTs who want the power and resection efficiency of a traditional sinus debrider in a convenient single-use solution, without compromising performance or quality. From our medical portfolio, we will be showcasing our most Advanced Endoscopy System with AI, EVIS X1 which represents a range of new, easy-to-use technologies that aim to revolutionize the way gastrointestinal disorders can be detected, characterized and treated. We want to support every endoscopist. In every procedure and our Products and Solutions in Pulmonology from Lung-Cancer Diagnosis and Staging Solutions.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

For several years, Olympus META has proudly sponsored Arab Health. Participating in the region's premier healthcare business platform offers us a multitude of avenues to connect with prospective customers spanning the region, making it a pivotal component of our marketing strategy.

As the largest healthcare conference and trade show not only in the Middle East but also on a global scale, our presence at Arab Health holds immense significance. Here, we can exhibit our array of cutting-edge technologies and healthcare solutions. Additionally, AH provides an invaluable platform to engage with industry leaders and remain at the forefront of the latest trends and advancements in the healthcare sector. Come and visit us at Sheikh Saeed Hall, booth S1.B30.