Siemens 2009 Annual Report Download - page 17

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Demografischer Wandel
und Gesundheit
Demographic change represents an enormous challenge to existing healthcare systems all over
the world. Low birth rates, combined with increases in life expectancy worldwide, mean that soci-
eties are getting older. As a result, healthcare costs are exploding, making quality care unaffordable
for many. Healthcare systems are becoming more and more expensive to operate, and the addi-
tional costs cannot be covered by higher public spending alone. What’s needed are technological
innovations that will make healthcare accessible and affordable for everyone. These technologies
will make it possible to detect and treat disease considerably earlier than in the past – not only
improving patient prognoses and the quality of life but also eliminating many of the costs associ-
ated with treating disease at a more advanced stage.
As one of the world’s leading providers to the healthcare industry, we’re tackling these chal-
lenges. For example, our highly efficient computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) and advanced laboratory diagnostic systems are enabling healthcare providers to detect dis-
ease at the earliest possible stage, while our molecular medicine solutions make it possible to
identify genetic predispositions to diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Our laboratory
diagnostics systems and reagents for clinical diagnostic tests are helping physicians not only de-
tect disease but also monitor patient conditions and therapies. All these systems generate a huge
amount of data, which can be managed using intelligent software solutions. This data is then
made available at the right time and place, ensuring that decisions are based on up-to-date patient
information.
Our products and solutions for the entire healthcare continuum – from prevention and early
detection to diagnosis, therapy and follow-up care – play a key role in diagnosing diseases earlier
and with greater precision and patient comfort while improving treatment efficiency.
As one of the world’s
leading providers to the
healthcare industry, we’re
ensuring that diseases can
be treated earlier, more
accurately, more efficiently
and more comfortably.
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Demographic change
and healthcare
66 Our structure
24 Climate change and energy supply 30 Globalization and competitiveness