Innovation and technology are the pillars that bridge the gap between potential and reality in the continuously advancing sector of healthcare. Biomedical Enterprises of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (BMETT) is a leading advocate of this progressive transformation in the Caribbean. Established in 2017, BMETT’s headquarters are located in El Socorro South, San Juan, Trinidad, with remote offices in Georgetown, Guyana. The company distinguishes itself with a strong focus on advancing medical technology and healthcare delivery through strategic partnerships, pioneering solutions, and a deep commitment to raising the Region’s healthcare standards. Driving this forward-thinking organization is Kieran Thompson, a visionary leader whose passion for healthcare innovation has driven BMETT to the lead of the industry.
Thompson, the Managing Director of BMETT, is a man with a mission. His journey into the healthcare sector was not one of mere chance, but rather a calculated move driven by a deep-seated desire to make a difference. Educated in Marketing Management and Public Relations, he utilized his skills to build a company known for its leading technologies and commitment to education and professional development. His leadership has been instrumental in forging partnerships with global giants like Siemens Healthineers and Varian Medical Systems, bringing advanced biomedical technologies to the Caribbean.
The impact of the company under Thompson’s guidance cannot be overstated. From introducing pioneering imaging systems to providing training platforms for healthcare professionals, it has consistently expanded the limits of what is possible in Caribbean healthcare. Through a combination of strategic planning, innovation, and a deep understanding of the Region’s unique needs, the organization continues to play a crucial role in improving patient outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and making advanced medical technologies accessible to a wider population.
Let’s learn about BMETT’s commitment to innovation and excellence in healthcare, as they lead the charge in bringing advanced technologies and training to the Caribbean Region!
A Visionary in Healthcare
Thompson’s journey into the world of healthcare technology is both inspiring and reflective of his dedication to improving the industry. It began with a personal realization of the inefficiencies in healthcare delivery that many in the Region face. Motivated by these observations, he set out to create a company that would not only address these challenges but also set new standards in healthcare technology.
“Starting BMETT was driven by a clear vision to enhance healthcare through the integration of advanced technology and continuous education,” Thompson shares. His background in business played a significant role in shaping the company’s approach to the market. By using these skills, he was able to build a strong brand identity and establish BMETT as a trusted name in the industry.
One of the early challenges Thompson faced was securing the necessary funding to bring his vision to life. However, through strategic planning and determination, he was able to attract financing through his relationship with his bankers which spans over 35-years. Building credibility in an industry dominated by established players was another hurdle, but his focus on fostering strong partnerships and delivering tangible results helped the company gain the trust of both clients and partners.
Building a Healthier Future
Driven by Thompson’s leadership, BMETT has grown into a company that is synonymous with innovation and excellence in healthcare technology. Among the notable technologies introduced are the Siemens MAGNETOM Altea MRI system, which offers unparalleled imaging quality, and the SOMATOM go.platform CT scanner, designed for efficiency and precision. These technologies have revolutionized the way healthcare is delivered in the Caribbean, improving diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.
In addition to imaging systems, the company has also brought molecular imaging and laboratory systems to the Region that have set new benchmarks in healthcare diagnostics. The Siemens Biograph Horizon PET/CT scanner, for example, combines positron emission tomography and computed tomography in one device, allowing for more accurate detection of diseases like cancer. Similarly, the Atellica Solution, an automated laboratory testing system, has streamlined laboratory workflows, reduced turnaround times, increasing the accuracy of test results.
Being particularly proud of BMETT’s contributions to education and professional development in the healthcare sector, he emphasizes “We believe that technology alone is not enough; it must be accompanied by proper training and education.” To this end, the organization has introduced virtual simulation platforms that provide healthcare professionals with the opportunity to enhance their skills in a controlled, risk-free environment. These platforms have been instrumental in training a new generation of healthcare workers who are well-equipped to handle the complexities of modern medical technologies.
Tackling Regional Healthcare Challenges with Advanced Technology
The future of healthcare in Trinidad and Tobago is being significantly shaped by advancements in medical technologies aimed at improving accessibility, efficiency, and quality of care. Biomedical Enterprises Trinidad and Tobago (BMETT) has established itself as a progressive leader in this area, addressing critical healthcare needs in the Caribbean.
The company focuses on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), which pose a significant health burden in the region. According to PAHO statistics, approximately 62 million people live with diabetes in the Caribbean and Latin America, and nearly 180 million adults suffer from hypertension. Additionally, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the America. BMETT recognizes that the utilization of medical technology is essential for ensuring early detection and treatment, which can improve survival rates and enhance the quality of life for patients.
While private healthcare providers are often at the forefront of adopting new technologies, public healthcare institutions are beginning to understand the transformative impact that technology can have on service delivery. The T&T Ministry of Health, along with its five Regional Health Authorities (RHAs), is actively working to integrate advanced technologies in public hospitals and community clinics. This initiative aims to leverage lessons learned from the COVID-19 response, expanding telehealth services, centralized data collection, and public education efforts.
Despite the advancements, several barriers hinder the adoption of health technology, including:
- Infrastructural Limitations: Many remote communities face challenges related to inadequate digital platforms and internet connectivity, as well as unreliable power supply.
- Cost Constraints: The implementation and maintenance costs of technology assets can be prohibitive, impacting the sustainability of healthcare services.
- Lack of Skilled Workforce: There is a shortage of trained healthcare professionals and technicians who can support emerging digital medical technologies.
- Regulatory Challenges: Clear regulations and policies are necessary to guide the responsible use and implementation of technologies, along with priority budgeting for procurement.
- Resistance to Change: Fostering a mindset of adaptability is essential to embrace new technological pathways for progress.
Addressing these barriers is crucial for realizing the full benefits of healthcare technologies. With the strategic use of technology, BMETT aims to enable greater efficiency in service delivery, reduce waiting times, and improve the overall patient experience. This includes the potential for early detection and intervention through AI predictive analytics, which can identify at-risk patients and reduce disease progression.
The Power of Partnership
One of the bases of BMETT’s success has been its strategic partnership with Siemens Healthineers and Varian. This collaboration has not only brought advanced technologies to the Caribbean but has also created opportunities for professional development and knowledge sharing in the Region. “Our partnership with Siemens Healthineers and Varian is about more than just technology; it’s about transforming healthcare delivery,” Thompson asserts.
Through these partnerships, the company has been able to offer healthcare providers in the Caribbean access to some of the most advanced medical technologies available today. These include not only imaging and diagnostic equipment but also solutions for interventional radiology, laboratory diagnostics, and healthcare IT. The result is a comprehensive suite of technologies that address the full spectrum of healthcare needs, from early diagnosis to treatment and follow-up care.
In addition to technology, the partnership with Siemens Healthineers and Varian has also focused on providing training and support to healthcare professionals. “Training is a critical component of what we do,” says Thompson. Together, BMETT, Siemens Healthineers and Varian have conducted numerous training programmes, workshops, and seminars aimed at enhancing the skills of healthcare workers across the Caribbean. These initiatives have ensured that the Region’s healthcare professionals are well-versed in the latest technologies and best practices, ultimately leading to better patient care.
The benefits of these partnerships extend beyond healthcare providers to the patients themselves. Advanced diagnostic tools enable healthcare providers to deliver more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans, resulting in better outcomes. Additionally, the reduced wait times and increased access to quality care have made a significant difference in the lives of many patients in the Region. “Our goal is to make healthcare more accessible and effective for everyone,” Thompson emphasizes.
Strategies for Maintaining Leadership
In the competitive sphere of healthcare technology, staying ahead requires continuous progress and adaptability. For BMETT, this means not only integrating the latest technologies but also ensuring that these technologies are aligned with the needs of the Caribbean Region. “We are constantly looking at ways to innovate and improve our offerings,” Thompson notes.
One of the ways the company has maintained its leadership is by focusing on the integration of new technologies that address the specific challenges faced by healthcare providers in the Caribbean. This includes solutions that improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance patient outcomes. For example, the organization has been at the front of introducing telemedicine solutions that have become increasingly important since the COVID-19 pandemic. These solutions have allowed healthcare providers to reach patients in remote areas, ensuring that they receive the care they need without having to travel long distances.
Training and education continue to be a key focus for BMETT. The company regularly updates its training programmes to reflect the latest advancements in healthcare technology. This ensures that healthcare professionals are always equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to make the most of the technologies available to them. “Education is the foundation of everything we do,” says Thompson. “Without it, even the most advanced technology can fall short.”
Another area where the organization has excelled is in building strong customer relationships. “Our customers are our partners,” Thompson states. By providing exceptional customer service and support, the company has been able to build long-term relationships with healthcare providers across the Region. This has not only helped the organization to maintain its leadership position but has also created opportunities for further growth and expansion.
BMETT’s commitment to quality and compliance is another factor that sets it apart from its competitors. The company adheres to the highest standards of quality in everything it does, from the products it offers to the services it provides. This commitment to quality has earned BMETT a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy partner in the healthcare industry.
Regional Expansion and Industry Engagement
As the company continues to grow, regional expansion has become a key focus area. “The Caribbean is our home, but we see opportunities beyond our borders,” Thompson explains. BMETT is exploring opportunities to expand its operations to other parts of the Caribbean and even into Central and South America. This expansion is driven by the belief that the healthcare challenges faced by the Caribbean are not unique and that the company’s solutions can have a positive impact in other regions as well.
Industry engagement is another important aspect of BMETT’s growth strategy. The organization actively participates in industry conferences, trade shows, and other events to stay updated on the latest trends and developments in healthcare technology. This engagement not only helps BMETT to maintain a lead of the competition but also provides valuable opportunities for networking and building new partnerships.
Thompson believes that BMETT’s success is not just about the technologies it offers but also about the relationships it builds. “At the end of the day, healthcare is about people,” he says. “It’s about building relationships, understanding needs, and working together to find solutions.” This philosophy has been a guiding principle for BMETT as it continues to expand its reach and impact across the Region.
The Future of Healthcare in the Caribbean
Preparing for what’s next, Thompson is optimistic about the future of healthcare in the Caribbean. He sees a future where advanced technologies are not just available but are an integral part of the healthcare system. “We are on the cusp of a healthcare revolution in the Caribbean,” he predicts. “And we are proud to be leading the way.”
One of the key trends Thompson identifies is the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. BMETT is already exploring ways to integrate AI into its offerings, with the goal of improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes. “AI has the potential to transform healthcare in ways we can only begin to imagine,” he says. “And we are excited to be at the forefront of this transformation.”
Another trend is the growing importance of data in healthcare. BMETT is working on solutions that harness the power of data to improve decision-making, enhance patient care, and reduce costs. “Data is the new currency in healthcare,” Thompson observes. “And those who can effectively harness it will lead the way.”
Despite the challenges that lie ahead, Thompson remains confident in BMETT’s ability to continue leading the healthcare industry in the Caribbean. “We have the vision, the technology, and the expertise to make a real difference,” he affirms. “And we are committed to doing just that.”
