Expert’s Corner

Marie Rouzeaud, manager, International SOS Clinic in Moscow, talks about her company and its role in the industry

How would you characterize the current position of your clinic on this market today?

International SOS clinic in Moscow is one of 28 clinics located around the globe. Over the years, International SOS has developed a full spectrum of health care specialist services, from primary and emergency care to occupational and public healthcare. Our Moscow medical clinic was established in 1994 and offers primary care, family practice consultations, full diagnostics and 24/7 emergency care to International SOS clients and members. A professional team of expatriate and national family doctors and nurses provides all our patients with the medical care they deserve. The clinic has an observation room with life support and monitoring equipment to provide the best care in the event of an emergency. And, in case of an emergency, we can arrange evacuation of patients through our 24-hour alarm center staffed with Western coordinating doctors.

Judging from your experience, what would say are the major requirements, demands and services that clients paying for their healthcare want to see in private medical centers?

Of course, in-house laboratory and access to a full range of diagnostic services are playing a very important role, but as International SOS has a worldwide reputation for high standard medical care, we strongly believe the biggest value we can bring to our clients is medical care, which consists of highly qualified medical professionals, exceptional quality of service with a human touch.

What would you say are your clinic’s major competitive advantages over its direct competitors in the industry?

International SOS is not a stand alone clinic, but a part of the biggest global medical assistance company. We do not only provide Western standard level of medical care in Moscow, but also we can evacuate our patients to another country and organize medical treatment abroad. Our more than 1,500 medical professionals are ready to assist 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our medical team always takes into account the differences in cultures to meet patient’s expectations. Also, having the support of our global network, our physicians can easily get a second opinion from a specialist based, for example, in the United States or Europe, thus ensuring that the best medical practice is applied at all time.

Do foreign or foreign-branded clinics have a competitive edge in the industry?

In addition to what I already mentioned, we can say that foreign medical companies are able to bring to Russia longstanding experience of international medical care and enhance the Russian medical system.