Philips and ASE Planetary Congress join forces for a sustainable future

If our planet is not healthy, can we be? The answer, of course, is no. That’s why the connection between human health and planetary health is at the heart of our mission for sustainable healthcare. This is also the reason why Philips is sponsoring the ASE Planetary Congress 2024 – Generation Space.

While space exploration and healthcare may seem like two distinct sectors, there are many overlaps. Astronaut André Kuipers, trained as a doctor, has a deep understanding of healthcare. Both sectors—space exploration and healthcare—heavily invest in innovation and technology, with a strong focus on the planet and its inhabitants. Astronauts and patients alike rely on continuous monitoring throughout their “journey.” This technology-driven data monitoring serves as a lifeline for both.

Learning from each other

Developments in aviation have, in fact, led to innovations at Philips, such as the Philips Visual Patient Avatar. In high-pressure situations, like in a cockpit or operating room, having a clear overview is essential for decision-making. This is why two anesthesiologists (who were also pilots) conceived a visual flight system for patient monitoring. Together with Philips, this idea evolved into the Philips Visual Patient Avatar. In addition to the standard monitor showing all relevant metrics, there is now a simplified image of a human body, displaying the heart, lungs, and airway.

Leadership and collaboration

Space exploration once started as a wild dream, but it was made possible through innovation and technology. It took immense courage to send the first human into space. Today, we need that same ambition and leadership to make industries like healthcare carbon-neutral. Just as in space exploration, collaboration is critical to achieving this in healthcare.

Working together

Millions of people worldwide are already feeling the effects of climate change on their lives and livelihoods. The societal challenges posed by climate change are too large and complex to address in a fragmented manner. We believe that collaboration is the key to achieving more, and doing it faster. This applies to our partnerships with industry peers, customers, suppliers, and colleagues.

For instance, Philips collaborates with customers to reduce waste and CO2 emissions in healthcare systems. We provide better care to more people while simultaneously addressing the effects of climate change, showing that progress can be made together.

If you’d like to learn more about our strategy for sustainable and equitable healthcare, how our portfolio helps customers meet their sustainability goals, or how our colleagues are testing and scaling new practices that prioritize impact with care for the planet, read more here: https://www.philips.com/caremeanstheworld.