Saudi Arabia’s drive for digital transformation in healthcare has attracted substantial interest from global health tech companies. UK-based health tech platform Proximie, bolstered by $80 million in funding, is expanding its footprint in the Kingdom through strategic partnerships designed to bolster Saudi Arabia’s healthcare infrastructure.
“Proximie’s mission is to deliver a connected surgical platform to help provide quality surgical care and optimize performance across all healthcare systems,” said Dr. Nadine Hachach-Haram, CEO and founder of Proximie, in an interview with Arab News. She emphasized Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which prioritizes increased access to healthcare under the Ministry of Health’s directives.
Through its collaboration with local resellers, Proximie is playing a pivotal role in supporting the SEHA Virtual Hospital, enabling it to overcome geographic barriers and enhance patient safety by digitally linking over 130 hospitals. “We have already seen success, such as facilitating a cardiology intervention in Tabuk, saving a patient’s life through virtual assistance from Riyadh,” said Hachach-Haram.
Empowering Local Partners and Driving Innovation
Hachach-Haram stressed that Proximie is deepening its relationships with local partners to help Saudi Arabia achieve its Vision 2030 goals by broadening surgical access. The company’s strategy is rooted in reducing healthcare inequities by promoting interconnected operating rooms and embracing data-driven, personalized care models.
To further this mission, Proximie plans to leverage its local partnerships while ensuring compliance with Saudi regulations. “By adhering to local data privacy and patient security guidelines, we aim to seamlessly integrate within the Saudi healthcare ecosystem, enhancing access to care,” she explained.
Looking ahead, Proximie aims to consolidate its partnerships across public and private sectors, expanding its network throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The Kingdom’s push for digital health innovation aligns with Proximie’s vision, making Saudi Arabia a key hub for the company’s growth in the region.
Navigating Regulatory Frameworks and the Road Ahead
As Saudi Arabia’s healthcare regulations evolve, Proximie remains committed to ensuring compliance, particularly in safeguarding patient data. “Our expansion strategy is built on trust, and we prioritize safe, effective care across all regions we operate in,” noted Hachach-Haram.
With the Kingdom’s focus on leveraging technology for healthcare advancement, Proximie anticipates rapid adoption of its solutions. “Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is a catalyst for digital health innovation, and we expect our platform to play a significant role in ending healthcare inequalities,” she added.
Hachach-Haram also highlighted the global trend toward embracing AI and other advanced technologies to address healthcare challenges like long waiting lists and access disparities. With 5 billion people lacking access to safe surgery globally, she sees Proximie’s AI-driven platform as a key player in closing this gap.
Business Fundamentals and Expansion
Proximie’s business model centers on real-time surgical connectivity, offering value by linking surgeons for virtual collaboration to improve patient care. The company generates revenue through a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model, which allows it to democratize healthcare by expanding surgical access worldwide.
Despite focusing on growth rather than immediate profitability, Proximie’s successful $80 million Series C funding round in 2022 reflects strong investor confidence. “Our focus has been on reaching as many operating rooms as possible. Profitability will come as we continue expanding our network,” Hachach-Haram explained.
Founded in 2015, Proximie was born from Hachach-Haram’s personal and professional experiences, including growing up in post-war Lebanon and witnessing the impact of inadequate surgical care. Her vision for interconnected operating rooms, supported by real-time data and diagnostics, drives the company’s mission to push the boundaries of surgical care.
With its presence in over 800 hospitals across more than 50 countries, Proximie continues to expand its influence in the healthcare sector. “These metrics demonstrate our reach and the potential for us to make a significant impact globally,” Hachach-Haram stated.
Looking forward, Proximie aims to continue expanding its global reach, especially in key markets like Saudi Arabia, using its $130 million in funding to further develop its platform and support its mission of improving healthcare access and equity worldwide.
