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Turnkey solutions for hospital equipment

With more than four decades of experience in the medical field, Al Razi Group knows the pulse of the healthcare sector in the UAE

Al Razi Pharmacy Co. Group is a formidable player in the medical industry in the UAE. Established in 1971, the group has diversified interests and is a major stakeholder in this space with various verticals, namely supplying medical equipment (including installation and service) to hospitals and clinics; and providing turnkey hospital equipment and maintenance, pharmaceuticals, consumer products, and hospital and retail pharmacies.
The group also owns and operates JCI-accredited Gulf Diagnostic Centre Hospital that comprises state-of-the-art operating theatres, imaging department and pathology department with over 100 doctors (physicians, surgeons and consultants).
Interestingly, the group's core expertise lies in supplying diagnostic imaging equipment and solutions to companies, for which it has tied up with a number of global players, such as Hitachi Medical System, Agfa PACS Solutions, Varian Oncology Systems, Nipro Dialysis, DDD Diagnostics A/S, etc. "In terms of diagnostic and imaging equipment, Hitachi is a world-renowned name. Its products are made in Japan and known for their high quality and precision," says Rami Kaddoura, CEO, Al Razi Group.
Globally, Hitachi is among the most preferred open MRI machines and has more than 6,000 installations across countries.
Al Razi Group also helps execute turnkey installations and provides complete hospital equipping projects, including supply and installation, and in some cases civil construction. It also has partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies in the emirates, such as Roche, Baxter, Nipro etc.
Kaddoura is excited about the government's plan to implement mandatory health insurance for all and sees it as a massive opportunity for players engaged in the healthcare industry. The CEO is confident of the edge the group has over its competition on various fronts.
Firstly, Al Razi Group has a wealth of experience spanning more than four decades and a sound understanding of the local market. Secondly, it has collaborations with world players through which it brings the latest state-of-the-art products to the UAE, such as DDD Diagnostic A/S -- a well-known original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of gamma camera systems.
The excellent after-sales services of the group have also helped partners to ensure smooth functioning and timely maintenance of products.
Consequently, the group aims to spread its wings in the Middle East and emerge as a market leader in the UAE by 2018. Its plan to expand Gulf Diagnostic Centre Hospital and equip oncology facilities with all the latest modalities for cancer treatment will bolster health space in the emirates and allow patients to be treated locally rather than going abroad.
"As decision-makers become more cost-conscious and competition intensifies, opportunities to serve value-oriented customers in medical devices are growing fast. To adapt to this new world, manufacturers need a deep understanding of the value segment's needs and profit pools. The key to success does not always lie in changing the product itself, but could involve altering sales models or service offerings. We determine what options are best for them and create a business model to enable them to thrive in the value segment," says Kaddoura.
The CEO, who has taken over the reins of the group from his father and founder Dr Awad Kaddoura, understands the pulse of the industry and strives to offer products with impeccable record and quality. "We have to be on our toes to be in the market. Price is the main concern since most of the vendors have their factories in China due to cheaper labour," he says.
Al Razi Group is headquartered in Abu Dhabi and has a branch in Dubai. It employs more than 500 people across segments.
- suneeti@khaleejtimes.com