Diaverum broadens footprint in Saudi Arabia

Diaverum, Europe's largest product independent and one of the world's leading renal care service providers, broadens its footprint in Saudi Arabia by being awarded with a five year contract to run 50 % of the dialysis clinics previously under the management of the state. The Saudi Ministry of Health decided to partner with Diaverum to gain access to Diaverum's world class expertise in renal care services. As a result, Diaverum will invest to develop the existing infrastructure with a goal to improve medical outcomes and to secure patient satisfaction. After all stages of implementation, Diaverum will run 93 dialysis centers and care for approximately 5,000 patients.

As Europe's largest product independent and one of the world's leading renal care service providers, Diaverum is committed to fostering innovative ways to enhance renal care service. With global network of 275 clinics in 19 countries, Diaverum has significant expertise implementing large-scale contracts in many different operating environments.

Saudi Arabia is facing a challenging situation in the health care area. The Saudi Healthcare market is one of the fastest growing healthcare markets worldwide, and is estimated to grow on average approximately 10% per year until 2015. Key growth drivers are a growing and aging population and an increase in lifestyle-related diseases. To face the rising demand for healthcare services, especially in one of the most advanced renal care systems in the world today, Saudi´s government is driving private sector participation. Medical quality and strict focus on the patient are key as reimbursement and medical outcome are inter-related.

"Chronic kidney disease needs a holistic and personalized approach to care", explains Dag Andersson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Diaverum. "Our assignment in Saudi Arabia enables us to share our vast expertise on renal disease. Our future aim to develop integrated care will improve quality of life for renal patients and pioneer the whole approach to renal patient care. Being awarded with this tender means taking another important strategic step in integrated renal patient care."

After all stages of implementation, Diaverum will run 93 dialysis centers in Saudi Arabia, covering 5.000 patients. Diaverum will offer different treatment modalities and will be responsible for treating both pediatric and adult patients. Furthermore, with the goal to develop an integrated approach to renal care, Diaverum will also offer vascular access services, holiday dialysis and even maintain pharmacies in the clinics.

Implementing projects of this size demands strong project leadership skills, excellence in creating medical policies and procedures as well as a clear vision for the future. "We are well prepared to take on the challenge", says Leszek Roszkowski, Head of Area East and Director Business Development. "Quality is key. Patients will receive the same high standards as in any of our clinics worldwide."