Philips has signed a seven-year research partnership agreement with the West China Hospital in Chengdu to collaborate to develop new medical imaging procedures for the diagnosis and monitoring of certain types of cardiovascular diseases and cancers.

'"At West China Hospital we strive to provide our patients with the best care they can receive in China, and advanced diagnosis is definitely critical to effective treatment and satisfactory medical services," said Dr. Zong Guang Zhou, vice dean of West China Hospital, Sichuan University. "Being one of the largest medical facilities in China, West China Hospital hopes to leverage the industry-leading imaging capabilities of Philips through this research collaboration to accelerate the advancement of our imaging methodologies in areas such as cardiology, oncology and certain mental diseases."

Chronic diseases, including those caused by cardiovascular problems, cancer and diabetes, caused 80% of deaths in China during the period 1991 to 2000, said Philips in a prepared statement. The lack of timely medical treatment and efficient prevention measures are the main reasons for the continuing high levels of such diseases.

The Philips/West China Hospital collaboration will include eight new research projects involving medical imaging technologies such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computed Tomography, Positron Emission Tomography and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography.

"With 5,000 beds and two million outpatients, West China Hospital is one of the largest and most technologically advanced hospitals in China, and the perfect partner for Philips," says Rick Harwig, CTO of Royal Philips Electronics. "I am convinced that the results of the joint research program will enable us to strengthen our support capabilities and to refine our products to meet the specific needs of medical facilities in China."