The 16-slice CT scanner and its peripherals have all been produced at the production facilities of Electron in St. Petersburg. Its hardware and software for medical data storage and processing are tailored to the specific demands of Russian hospitals. For example, it is the first scanner with a Russian-language interface, which is key to increasing the efficiency of diagnostic procedures and efficient training of medical personnel.

In line with global trends, cardiovascular disease and cancer are now the biggest contributors to Russia's mortality rate. Medical imaging systems, such as CT scanners, have become powerful tools used by doctors to diagnose and treat these diseases.

"We are very pleased that our hospital has been the first to use this advanced Russian-made CT scanner and we are fully satisfied with the results of the clinical studies," says Evgeny Ageenko, Head of the Hospital of War Veterans, St. Petersburg and Honored Doctor of the Russian Federation. "Until recently, we only had access to a 2-slice imported scanner, but now we have the opportunity to increase the capacity of our diagnostic CT procedures and significantly improve the quality of our clinical studies."

"In developing our first joint product we were aiming to respond to the unique requirements of the Russian healthcare system and offer a solution made specifically for Russian healthcare professionals," says Ronald de Jong, General Manager for Philips Healthcare in Emerging Markets. "Today we have proven that we have accomplished that task, and I hope that clinics across Russia will follow the example of Saint-Petersburg hospital so that they can address the urgent need for Russian doctors and patients to have better access to the latest diagnostic equipment."

"Philips and Electron worked together at all levels of the development, production and commercialization process, making our partnership unique in the Russian market," comments Alexander Elinson, CEO of Electron. "I am convinced that our domestic production of advanced medical equipment will catalyze growth in the local medical components industry and contribute to further innovation in the Russian healthcare industry. It will also help to reduce Russia's dependence on the import of healthcare equipment."

Today, 15% of the high-tech components used in the CT scanner manufactured by Philips-Electron have been developed and produced locally in Russia. It is the aim of the partners to increase this proportion to 51% within the next three years. In the future, Philips and Electron intend to extend their product portfolio to include a 64-slice CT-scanner, high-end ultrasound systems and a domestically assembled MRI scanner.

Related news articles:

• Philips Healthcare's Profile

About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of "sense and simplicity". Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs more than 118,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 23 billion in 2009, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.