A Dutch firm bidding for the tender of medical equipment for the Mater Dei Hospital has joined forces with three local healthcare providers to form a company that will be used as a platform for the provision of healthcare services in Malta, the Mediterranean, the Far East and North Africa.
The new company Simed International Ltd., is the third company outside the Benelux within the Simed Health Care Group and was officially launched last week during a press conference at the Malta Chamber of Commerce.
Although Malta's EU application had no bearing on the decision, Malta's "unique geographical position, its role in the region and its centuries-old tradition as a nation with one of the best health delivery systems in the world" prompted Simed to set up shop in Malta over and above other countries in the region, Simed managing director Sietse Zoodsma said on Thursday at the Malta Chamber of Commerce.
Mr Zoodsma was also very pleased with the level of expertise found within the workforce of the three local companies after working closely together for the past two years to prepare for the Mater Dei tender.
The companies are three of the largest Maltese medical and scientific equipment distributors. A year ago they decided to pool their resources together forming Medea Ltd, and now, together with Alcom Enterprises, Simed's representatives in Malta, and Simed International bv, they launched Simed International Ltd.
The three companies - Associated Equipment Ltd., Pharma-Cos Ltd., and Technoline Ltd - are still independent and distinct companies on a daily basis but decided to join forces to "offer a unique combination of experience, multi-disciplinary staff and competence for larger local and international project undertakings".
Each with their own area of specialisation, their combined efforts will result in medical solutions that are both cost-effective and of a high quality. Though in direct competition on a daily basis, they have decided to partner as one on larger projects offering a synergy of expertise.
Speaking at the press conference, Simon Cusens, Medea's current chairman, said that he was honoured to be involved with Simed and looked forward to a bright future working together. He said that it was vital that the three local companies with their joint 66 professional employees, work together for large project undertakings.
The three partners' combined areas of specialisation now cover emergency trauma, diagnostic imaging, general surgery, radiology, anesthesia and intensive care, interventional cardiology, clinical and industrial laboratory and infection control.
"Of all the bidders of the medical equipment tender, Simed was first to appreciate the excellent relation that the Medea partners have with the local medical profession, their knowledge of requirements and brand preferences and their long track record as reliable service providers over the last two decades", Mr Zoodsma said.
Simed aims to have permanent access to Medea's technical staff to support its activities. The easy access of Maltese nationals to Libya and the short communication lines make Malta an ideal base to approach North African markets.
Over the years Simed has established a strong position in the southern Mediterranean region, with projects completed in Libya, Algeria and Morocco. With the Maltese venture, we are now in a much better position to implement and provide aftersales services which can be carried out through the operational and maintenance personnel within Medea, Mr Zoodsma said.
Simed International bv is a Dutch company tracing its origins to 1902. Since the Sixties, Simed became involved in supplying the healthcare markets in the Middle East, and have now evolved into one of the world's leading providers of turnkey healthcare projects.
"Simed offer a comprehensive package from the concept, through to the design and implementation of healthcare projects anywhere in the world", Ferry Dubbers, Simed area manager said at the press conference, while outlining a few of Simed's current project undertakings.
The services offered include the preliminary studies; facility design; financial solutions; project supervision; procurement and supply; logistics and installation; commissioning and training and operation and maintenance.
Simed is currently working on several projects worldwide. In North Africa, Simed International bv is a leading contender for the contract to equip the 1,200-bed Benghazi Hospital on a turnkey basis.
A major share of the medical equipment in Benghazi and at the Mater Dei Hospital, if the tender is awarded to Simed, will be supplied by Philips Medical Systems, known to be the leaders in medical equipment around the world, with whom Simed International bv is a preferred partner for projects worldwide.
Speaking to The Sunday Times from his office in Holland, Philips regional director Johny Behets, said that his company looks at the joint venture with Medea Ltd as a positive step to support their projects in and outside Malta.
"Philips Medical Systems have already been present in Malta for the past 20 years through our local representatives Technoline Ltd and we already have the lion's share of the local market with 80 per cent of the equipment purchased in Malta being ours", he said.
Every public and private radiological facility in Malta and Gozo is equipped with Philips products.
Malta has also been used as a base for Philips' North African project undertakings.
Among the local clients are the Ministry of Health, St James Hospital, St Philip's Hospital, Capua Hospital, the Radiology Clinic, the Gozo Hospital, and many more.
"With the establishment of Simed International in Malta we are now in a position to offer a fully-fledged service and can go for bigger projects. The Mater Dei project should be the ultimate exponent in imaging medical equipment in Malta", Mr Behets said.
Being a leading supplier of medical equipment and related services all over the world, all Philips Medical Systems products meet national and international quality requirements. They are backed by worldwide network of research, development, sales and service organisations and are characterised by their sustainability and their open and user-friendly design.