Fujifilm Philippines, the global leader in imaging and healthcare technology, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Philippines’ healthcare system, particularly in the fight against tuberculosis (TB).
Recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO) for 2024 reveals that the Philippines remains among the top five countries responsible for more than half of the global TB cases. The Philippines is also listed among the 10 nations with a “high burden” of TB incidence, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced detection and treatment strategies.
In response to this critical healthcare hurdle, Fujifilm Philippines is reinforcing its efforts to end TB by bringing advanced technology that supports early detection and diagnosis in the country. The company has introduced the FDR X- Air, a portable X-ray system that plays a vital role in TB screening by enabling healthcare professionals to conduct rapid and accurate diagnostics in diverse and often challenging environments.
Fujifilm’s strong commitment to supporting the Philippines’ fight against TB is expressed through their donation of cutting-edge X-ray systems. In the turnover to DOH, held at the Official Residence of the Ambassador of Japan on December 3, Fujifilm Global President and CEO Teiichi Goto expressed his support for the Philippine government’s efforts in addressing public health concerns, stating:
“At Fujifilm, we recognize that timely and accurate diagnosis is essential in saving lives. Unfortunately, many people in remote or resource-limited areas lack access to essential diagnostic tools like X-ray. Through the FDR X-Air, known for imaging accuracy and portability, Fujifilm aims to help address gaps in healthcare access and to enhance diagnostic capabilities throughout the Philippines. The technological advancements that come with the FDR X-air help clinicians deliver more precise and timely diagnoses, leading to better treatment decisions and improved patient outcomes.”
Mr. Goto went on to emphasize that early diagnosis is key to beating tuberculosis, among other diseases, and how Fujifilm is dedicated to enabling healthcare professionals with the tools they need to diagnose and treat this disease promptly.
The FDR X-Air is particularly engineered with portability – it is currently the lightest among registered portable X-ray equipment, compact design, and high image quality, making it an essential tool for improving TB screening efforts even in remote, underserved communities where access to healthcare infrastructure is limited. Its ease of use in rural areas where traditional, large-scale diagnostic equipment may not be feasible ensures that more Filipinos, especially those in hard-to-reach regions, can be screened and treated early.
Handover of FUJIFILM’s ultraportable FDR Xair to DOH. In photo from L-R: Masahiro Uehara, President of FUJIFILM Philippines Inc.; Teiichi Goto, President, Representative Director and Chief Executive Officer of FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation; Makati City Mayor Abby Binay; and Haruto Iwata, Managing Director of FUJIFILM Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.
Fujifilm’s initiative is part of the company’s broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts aimed at enhancing healthcare systems and supporting the government’s goal of reducing the TB burden in the country. By equipping healthcare facilities and professionals with state-of-the-art tools like the FDR X-Air, Fujifilm is playing a pivotal role in improving the accessibility, speed, and accuracy of medical diagnoses, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for the Filipino people.
In response to the surging demand for its products and services, FUJIFILM Philippines Inc. (FFPH) and FUJIFILM Business Innovation Philippines Corp. (FUJIFILM BI PH) have announced the relocation of their offices to a larger space in Cebu City.
The new office, strategically situated at Mercedes Benz Tower, Mindanao Ave Cebu Business Park, Cebu City, marks a significant move for the global leaders in innovation. This expansion aims to strengthen Fujifilm’s foothold in the region, enabling the brand to better cater to the local market and provide an enhanced experience for customers.
L-R_ FUJIFILM BI PH Hideaki Kato and FFPH President Masahiro Uehara at the ribbon cutting ceremony on February 27, 2024
The Cebu City office will serve as a hub for after-sales support, featuring a local repair center for digital cameras and endoscopy products. Additionally, it will host a showroom showcasing advanced cameras, cutting-edge printing machines, and business software solutions, offering customers an interactive experience with Fujifilm’s latest innovations in imaging and document management technology.
Mr. Masahiro Uehara, President of FFPH, expressed confidence in the strategic move, stating, “This relocation reinforces our commitment to swiftly expand our local operations, making our products and services more accessible to the southern part of the country.”
Photo Caption: L-R_FFPH President Masahiro Uehara, Cebu City Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, and FUJIFILM BI PH Hideaki Kato, at the ribbon cutting ceremony on February 27, 2024
Adding his perspective, Mr. Hideaki Kato, President of FUJIFILM BI PH, mentioned FUJIFILM BI PH has almost 60-years’ experience in the Philippines and continuously provides document process innovation for Cebu customers. He also highlighted the synergy between the two entities, stating, “We are proud to unveil this new office, bringing us closer to our customers in Cebu and emphasizing the collaboration between FUJIFILM Business Innovation Philippines and FUJIFILM Philippines.”
Fujifilm, renowned for its relentless pursuit of technological advancements and customer-focused solutions, leverages its photographic industry expertise to push growth in healthcare, materials, and business innovation. The company’s new group purpose, “Giving our world more smiles,” underscores its commitment to creating a brighter future in society.
For more information, visit www.fujifilm.com/ph & www.fujifilm.com/fbph.
About FUJIFILM Philippines Inc.
Established in 2012, FUJIFILM Philippines Inc. (FFPH) serves the Philippine market in Electronic and Photo Imaging, Graphic Systems, Medical Systems, and Industrial Products. The company prioritizes after-sales support, maintaining a local repair center and a wide distribution network.
About FUJIFILM Business Innovation Philippines Corp.: FUJIFILM Business Innovation Philippines Corp. (FUJIFILM BI PH) is a leading provider of document services and communications. With a commitment to innovation, customer service, and sustainability, FUJIFILM BI PH offers a holistic ecosystem of products and solutions, including office multifunction devices, cloud and mobile solutions, multichannel marketing solutions, and business process management solutions.
Fujifilm Philippines, a leading provider of digital imaging and healthcare solutions, will sign a memorandum of agreement today with Shinagawa Healthcare Solutions Corporation to bring advanced technology to patients.
Masahiro Uehara, Fujifilm Philippines President, said that through this partnership, the two companies aim to combine their strengths to deliver innovative and high-quality healthcare solutions to patients.
“We are thrilled to partner with Shinagawa Healthcare Solutions Corporation to provide better healthcare services to patients in the Philippines. Our advanced technology and expertise in the healthcare industry, combined with Shinagawa’s commitment to providing personalized care, will enable us to deliver innovative and high-quality healthcare solutions to patients in the Philippines,” he said.
Shinagawa Healthcare Solutions Corporation, a subsidiary of the country’s top Lasik provider, Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics Center Corporation, is set to open a diagnostic and preventive care center in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, next month. It will be the first Japanese standard health facility in the Philippines that focuses on preventive care.
Through the collaboration, Uehara said Fujifilm will bring its innovative equipment to Shinagawa Diagnostic and Preventive Care Center to offer quick and comfortable procedures to patients.
These include the Eluxeo Lite 6000, an endoscopy machine that features Multi-Light Technology to deliver high-quality imaging and superior visibility for enhanced patient comfort through flexible scope options.
Another key instrument is the Supria 128 Slice CT Scan Machine, which offers painless and low-dose scanning capabilities. It also produces high-speed and top-notch quality images with lower power consumption.
The Amulet Innovality is a mammogram machine designed with ergonomic armrests to ensure patient comfort and secure positioning, producing quick image intervals of just 15 seconds.
Fujifilm’s FDR Smart X x-ray machine offers advanced functionality and compatibility with any X-ray system, delivering high image quality for precise and accurate results.
Meanwhile, the Arietta Series is an ultrasound machine renowned for its broad diagnostic capabilities and top-notch imaging quality, producing reliable results that help with immediate critical surgical decisions.
“Fujifilm Philippines’ commitment to quality and innovation aligns with their vision to provide exceptional healthcare services. We are thrilled to partner with them to bring their state-of-the-art imaging technology to our patients in the Philippines. Together, we can make a significant impact on the healthcare industry, revolutionizing the way healthcare is delivered and experienced,” he said.
Prevention is key
Masako Uemori, Shinagawa President, said the partnership will enable them to provide patients with the best possible care.
“We believe that investing in preventive care is not only a wise decision but also a responsible one. By breaking the social stigma of reactive care and shifting our mindset towards proactive prevention, we can help Filipinos achieve better health outcomes and ultimately lead more fulfilling lives,” she said.
Aside from Japanese standard health checkups, Shinagawa Diagnostic and Preventive Care Center will offer brain exams (MRI/MRA), full body exams (CT scan), digestive exams (ultrasound/endoscopy), health exams for women (mammography/ultrasound), laboratory, and allergy tests.
Uemori said Shinagawa will partner with health maintenance organizations (HMOs) in the country to provide accessible, affordable, and comprehensive medical services to Filipinos.
She also said they plan to promote health and wellness through events and seminars to raise public awareness about their overall well-being.
“Our success in the field of eye care has enabled us to build a reputation as a leader in the industry. Our commitment to the latest technologies and Japanese standards for medical services has helped us to earn the trust of our patients, and we are proud to continue to deliver exceptional care that exceeds their expectations,” Uemori added.
The future of healthcare
Uemori said Shinagawa’s new Diagnostic & Preventive Care Center is committed to providing comprehensive and personalized healthcare plans that contribute to the early detection and prevention of disease.
She said the company’s comprehensive medical examination process is designed to identify potential health issues before they become major problems, allowing for proactive intervention and treatment.
Combined with Fujifilm’s cutting-edge and high-performance machines, Shinagawa’s state-of-the-art facility will enable doctors and health professionals to perform procedures quickly, comfortably, and stress-free for patients. Diagnosis and analysis will also have double reading by their partner Japanese doctors who have extensive experience in the field of preventive care.
Shinagawa will also implement an efficient and streamlined operation using the Japanese Health Checkup Information System. With same-day results, patients can receive timely and accurate diagnoses and treatment plans without the added stress of waiting.
Innovative imaging technology
Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. (now FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation) was established in 1934 to produce high-quality photographic films. Within the first decade of its establishment, the company expanded its production to include motion pictures and X-ray films, in addition to its original focus on photographic films.
In 2012, Fujifilm Philippines was founded as a sales subsidiary of Fujifilm’s regional headquarters in the Asia Pacific. The company primarily focuses on providing high-quality products and services to the Philippine market in areas such as electronics, photo imaging, industrial products, graphic design, and medical systems. To meet the increasing demand for its offerings and ensure consistent quality, the company opened its first branch in Cebu in 2019. This move also enabled Fujifilm Philippines to better serve customers in the Visayas and nearby Mindanao provinces by providing them with more localized support.
During the height of the pandemic in 2020, Fujifilm Philippines supported local hospitals by installing the FDR Go PLUS, a digital mobile X-ray system that aided in diagnosing COVID-19 patients. The company also received FDA approval for the FDR nano and the FUJIFILM COVID-19 Ag Test Kit, which are expected to help healthcare workers diagnose and screen for COVID-19.
The company is committed to supplying various products and services to support the medical frontline and promote human health.