MEMPHIS, Tenn., October 4, 2012—With a current world population of more than seven billion, and expectations that number will exceed eight billion by 2030, the global healthcare industry is growing exponentially. But to achieve its potential, providers across the industry—from R&D and manufacturing to the caregivers themselves—must go “borderless.” This interconnected view of the industry’s future was the focus of the FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) healthcare industry summit, held in New York City this week.
The conference featured presentations and discussions with FedEx leaders and external experts on the changing dynamics of the healthcare industry and the solutions it needs to grow for the future.
“As research and manufacturing increase around the world, there’s a corollary demand for global healthcare services and solutions. FedEx offers the connectivity the healthcare industry needs to harness the power of that growth,” said Frederick W. Smith, chairman, president and CEO of FedEx Corp.
While the United States currently accounts for healthcare growth, demand from developing markets like China and India will rise in line with their economies, making the healthcare sector’s ability to access and connect with these markets an imperative.
“As countries develop and populations expand, the market for our customers’ healthcare products and services grows right alongside,” said Richard W. Smith, director of Life Sciences and Specialty Services, FedEx Express. “We know that the right mix of efficient supply chain solutions will be a critical underpinning to this growth for years to come. That’s why FedEx has dedicated time, money and man-power to build out a portfolio of products and services specially designed to fit the needs of our healthcare customers. From innovations in cold chain technology to increasing the speed and reach of our temperature-controlled shipping capabilities, FedEx is a leader in transporting critical healthcare inventory around the world.”
In addition to opening remarks provided by FedEx Chairman and CEO Frederick W. Smith, FedEx Chief Economist Gene Huang weighed in on the current economic state of the global healthcare market and future projections, while FedEx Express Chief Operating Officer Mike Ducker shared his view on global logistics advancements and trends that make a borderless healthcare industry viable. Global Sales Executive Vice President Don Colleran expanded on the new FedEx solutions available to customers, while Global Marketing Senior Vice President Raj Subramaniam rounded out the conference with a panel discussion featuring FedEx leaders discussing healthcare trends occurring across the globe.
FedEx product enhancements showcased for customers throughout the summit included:
SenseAware: The next generation of this award-winning sensor-based technology is now available for general use. Upgrades include improved GPS capabilities and cellular connectivity, as well as increased battery life to support longer transit times. New accessories such as the dry ice probe, among others, are increasing the effectiveness of SenseAware to help customers monitor their most critical shipments.
FedEx Priority Alert: This service, previously only available on domestic U.S. shipments, is now being rolled out on a broad scale. Beginning in October 2012, contract customers shipping to and from more than 70 international markets will have access to the increased monitoring and proactive intervention services of Priority Alert. The healthcare industry specifically benefits from the expansion, as the specialized services of FedEx Priority Alert Plus include recovery actions, such as dry ice replenishment, gel pack reconditioning and access to cold storage to help keep potentially life-saving shipments safe.
FedEx Deep Frozen Shipping: FedEx makes the transportation of deep-frozen material simpler than ever before, eliminating the need for dry ice or expensive rented shipping equipment. This value-add FedEx service provides customers dealing with deep frozen material—such as body fluids, tissue samples or medicines—with a ready-to-ship, super-cooled Dewar that holds a temperature below minus-150 degrees Celsius for up to 10 days. Dry ice, in contrast, must be replenished every 72 hours to maintain its temperature. Eliminating the need for dry ice also reduces customs clearance delays and helps ensure sensitive deliveries arrive on time and in pristine clinical condition.
For more information on FedEx Healthcare Solutions, visit www.fedex.com/healthcare.
About FedEx Corp.
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $43 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 300,000 team members to remain “absolutely, positively” focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, visit news.fedex.com.
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