Devices Radiology

 News Release - April 3, 2008

Philips Signs Long-Term Healthcare Research Partnership with One of the Largest Chinese Hospitals

Philips and West China Hospital in Chengdu collaborate to develop new medical imaging procedures for diagnosis and monitoring of major diseases such as cardiovascular, cancer and mental disease

SHANGHAI, China--(HSMN NewsFeed)--Royal Philips Electronics today announced that it has signed a long-term research partnership agreement with the West China Hospital, an affiliate of the Sichuan University in Chengdu, China. Under the seven-year agreement, Philips will collaborate with West China Hospital to develop new medical imaging procedures for the diagnosis and monitoring of certain types of cardiovascular disease (including coronary artery disease – one of the major diseases in China), cancer and mental diseases.

Philips is consistently strengthening its position in the fast-growing Chinese healthcare market – a key element of the company's increased focus on emerging markets.

“With 5,000 beds and two million outpatients, West China Hospital is one of the largest and most technologically advanced hospitals in China, and the perfect partner for Philips,” says Rick Harwig, CTO of Royal Philips Electronics. “I am convinced that the results of the joint research program will enable us to strengthen our support capabilities and to refine our products to meet the specific needs of medical facilities in China.”

“At West China Hospital we strive to provide our patients with the best care they can receive in China, and advanced diagnosis is definitely critical to effective treatment and satisfactory medical services,” said Dr. Zong Guang Zhou, Vice Dean of West China Hospital, Sichuan University. “Being one of the largest medical facilities in China, West China Hospital hopes to leverage the industry-leading imaging capabilities of Philips through this research collaboration to accelerate the advancement of our imaging methodologies in areas such as cardiology, oncology and certain mental diseases.”

Chronic diseases, including those caused by cardiovascular problems, cancer and diabetes, caused 80 per cent of deaths in China during the period 1991 to 2000. The lack of timely medical treatment and efficient prevention measures are the main reasons for the continuing high levels of such diseases. As a leading manufacturer of sophisticated medical equipment for diagnosis and treatment, Philips continually strives to enhance the efficacy of its medical technologies through research conducted with leading medical institutions.

The Philips/West China Hospital collaboration will include eight new research projects involving medical imaging technologies such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT).

About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a global leader in healthcare, lighting and consumer lifestyle, delivering people-centric, innovative products, services and solutions through the brand promise of “sense and simplicity”. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 123,800 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 27 billion in 2007, the company is a market leader in medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring systems, energy efficient lighting solutions, as well as lifestyle solutions for personal wellbeing. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University

The West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University was founded in 1913 under the name of the Medical College, West China Union University. Today, it comprises five divisions: Clinical Medicine, Laboratory Medicine, Higher Nursing Education, Maternity and Child Hygiene, and Allied Health Professions. It has more than 1500 bachelor degree students and over 1500 Master or Doctorate degree students, including 165 foreign students studying medicine in China. The school enjoys a very good reputation for its high quality education and long history of medical training. It has been regarded as one of the top five medical schools in China for more than half a century.

Source: Royal Philips Electronics

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