Radiology readiness can even lead to life-changing, real-world affects. Recently, Philips, in cooperation with Project HOPE and the China's Ministry of Health, set up a breast cancer screening program in China.
Breast cancer is a big issue in that country. Sadly, when Chinese women receive a breast cancer diagnosis, the cancer is already quite advanced, usually in stage 3 or 4. The likelihood that they'll survive is low. And advanced cancers require advanced treatments like heavy surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Their toll is both emotional and financial. In fact, nearly a third of Chinese say health care costs are one of the main factors driving them into poverty.
So, for our program, we offer equipment, financial support and training. Each aspect is key: the donation of time and knowledge is as significant as that of high-priced machines. And in the end, it's worth it. By the time the program wraps up in the next three years, we are aiming to have trained 1,000 doctors in approximately 400 rural hospitals. More importantly, the goal is that almost 1.2 million Chinese women will have been screened for breast cancer - free of charge.
And Philips continues to look into ways to improve radiology readiness and access in rural China. With our partner, the Chinese Society of Cardiology, we're setting up chest pain clinics across the country. Already, we have four pilots running. As chest pain can indicate a severe underlying disease, we could help detect problems before they become untreatable.
These efforts aren't just humanitarian. For the countries helped, they have a huge economic impact. China is expected to lose in the short-term nearly $500 billion in income due to heart disease alone. In so far as radiology readiness can help people live longer and more productive lives, it's good for growth, too.
Ronald de Jong is general manager, Emerging Markets for Philips Healthcare.
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