SOFMEDICA Group celebrated 30 years of presence on the local market this year. What does it mean for the company in terms of achievements and business development?
Celebrating 30 years in our region marks a significant milestone for SOFMEDICA Group, a testament to our adaptability, commitment, and innovation in the healthcare sector. Over three decades, we have consistently addressed the evolving needs of healthcare systems in the region, building a robust ecosystem that supports our clients and partners. We are present in five other EU countries—Greece, Hungary, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Cyprus—but our story started here, in Romania. This anniversary represents more than just longevity; it underscores the trust placed in us by our clients and partners. Their confidence has driven our continuous growth and inspired us to push boundaries in providing cutting-edge healthcare solutions. It is a celebration of our journey to make a lasting impact on the healthcare landscape, empowering professionals and, most importantly, improving patients’ lives.
What can you tell us about the innovation that SOFMEDICA Group brings to the local market through its business divisions?
Innovation is at the core of our mission. We aim to reshape the Romanian healthcare market by bridging state-of-the-art medical technology with healthcare professionals. This year, we have made remarkable strides in this endeavour. We’ve established seven new robotic surgery programmes, predominantly in private hospitals, expanding access to minimally invasive solutions.
Our ISLE Academy continues to empower healthcare professionals by offering cutting-edge simulation and training opportunities, while our AI-enabled medical research platform, Prometheus, has revolutionised the way professionals access the latest studies. Across Romania, there are now 21 robotic surgery programmes, demonstrating our commitment to advancing healthcare standards. These achievements showcase how we are shaping the future of healthcare through innovation and collaboration.
What were the biggest management challenges of 2024?
While 2024 has been successful, with record sales in Romania across all our business groups, the year ends with a challenging political environment. The government is the ultimate payer for healthcare services and what we need for long-term planning is continuity in policy and long-term visibility. Additionally, as we invest in cutting-edge technology, the need to attract and retain top talent remains an ongoing priority. The rapid pace of technological advancements requires continuous efforts to build and nurture a team that is adaptable, innovative, and aligned with our mission. Despite these challenges, our focus on innovation and collaboration has allowed us to effectively navigate the complexities of the year.
What will be the main opportunities and challenges in the healthcare sector in 2025?
The coming year offers tremendous opportunities for advancing healthcare in Romania. We are eager to introduce a range of innovative medical technologies aimed at improving patient care in fields such as surgery, neurology, cardiology, and endoscopy. These advancements have the potential to significantly enhance diagnostic and treatment methods, providing new hope for patients with complex conditions. Public-private partnerships could accelerate these advancements by fostering collaboration and bridging critical gaps in the public healthcare system. Success will depend on the collaboration between the government, private sector, and healthcare professionals, underpinned by a shared commitment to improving patient outcomes and fostering systemic resilience. Procurement should focus on buying better patient outcomes, not “gadgets.”
Additionally, reversing medical brain drain presents a unique opportunity to strengthen the local healthcare workforce by creating environments that retain and attract skilled professionals. Access to European Union funding for upgrading infrastructure and digital healthcare solutions further positions Romania to align with global standards, making 2025 a pivotal year for advancing equitable, innovative, and sustainable healthcare.
However, challenges persist. Political instability remains a potential obstacle, as it could impact the predictability needed for long-term investments and collaborations. Nevertheless, we remain optimistic about the ability of Romanian authorities to maintain stability and foster an environment that is conducive to progress.
Read more here: Business Champions of 2024 | SOFMEDICA: transforming healthcare through innovation – Business Review