What's next? It's something that never ceases to run through the mind of a real leader – especially in an industry as fast-changing and important as that of healthcare. For the leaders running organizations within this sector, anticipating is not a choice; it's the center of it. The next discovery, the next partnership, the next way of making a concrete positive impact to more people – that is the scope of interest. And for Mohamed Galal , Vice President, Head of Middle East, Bayer Consumer Health, that visionary approach has created a career of over three decades.
With a background in pharmaceuticals and a strong focus on people, Mohamed's path is founded on growth, purpose, and results. From Cairo University to being a regional manager in one of the world's biggest and most respected health care companies, he has been driving changes that have borne positive results and a vision that goes beyond corporate spaces.
Working at Bayer, he's spearheading Middle Eastern healthcare transformation – not only with products, but with strategy, access, and profound insight into local community needs. Led by the "Health for All, Hunger for None" mission, Mohamed Galal's efforts are aimed at delivering improved health outcomes to millions, and toward building a more responsive, inclusive, and future-ready system.
Let's continue reading to learn about Mohamed's journey, vision, and fearless steps changing healthcare in the Middle East!
Mohamed Galal's Professional Journey
Mohamed Galal started his journey in healthcare with a background of academic excellence from studying at Cairo University, laying the foundation for a successful career in the pharmaceutical sector. In the past 30 years, he has established himself by his intricate knowledge of the health care industry, prioritizing business growth, market strategy, and operational accuracy. He describes, "I have accepted this industry with deep responsibility. The 30-year dedicated journey in multiple roles has formulated my comprehension and enthusiasm for this essential sector."
Through the years, he has risen through the ranks in different organizations, developing a broad range of perspectives on the complexities of the healthcare sector. His career with Bayer started with a strong focus on redefining the firm's strategy in the Middle East, where he now leads the consumer health segment. In this role, he spearheads efforts at innovation and growth for the company, leaving a lasting legacy in the region. Looking back on the development his team has made at Bayer, Mohamed Galal comments: "Each day, I am inspired by being able to drive growth and innovation through strategic initiatives."
His job is not merely one of business success; it is one of making a positive difference in individuals' lives. "I strongly believe that through a strategic, customer-focused methodology, we can create high-quality solutions that not only address the changing needs of our communities but also improve their overall health and well-being," he continues. Mohamed Galal sees his role as leadership as one of more than mere business target achievement. He is committed to being an agent for good, making healthcare more accessible and effective in the region.
Bayer's Mission in the Region
Vice President and Head of the Middle East Mohamed Galal has a very distinct vision of Bayer's mission in reshaping healthcare in the region. This vision is in complete sync with the global mission of "Health for All, Hunger for None," which he has entrenched in his own leadership philosophy, which directs the company's every move in the region. He explains this task as one that aims to build a healthcare ecosystem that focuses on accessibility and equity so that everyone receives the benefits from the advances in the healthcare sector, irrespective of their location.
For Mohamed Galal, access is not only about delivering products, it's about building the healthcare system as a whole. He highlights the value of collaborating with policymakers and regulators to create a favorable healthcare environment that inspires innovation and addresses community needs. "We acknowledge the value of a supportive policy and regulatory environment to encourage innovation and expansion," he says.
In addition, Bayer's activities in the region spur economic growth by enhancing public health, which subsequently increases productivity. "A healthier population leads to higher productivity within the workforce, ultimately contributing to economic development within the region," he continues, emphasizing the linkage between health and regional prosperity overall. The company's activities extend beyond the enhancement of health outcomes -they are an investment in the long-term well-being of the region.
Innovative Solutions for Regional Health Challenges
Bayer has long been pioneering pharmaceutical innovation, and in the Middle East, this endeavor has taken the form of effective initiatives tackling some of the most significant health challenges in the region. These include challenges such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, oncology, and ophthalmology. For Mohamed, these issues are personal, and he is especially proud of Bayer's contribution towards overcoming them. One of the initiatives that impresses him most is its backing for the government's "Protect Your Heart" campaign for increasing the level of awareness about cardiovascular health.
"This campaign is critical in making consumers aware of heart health and the need for early detection," he says. Cardiovascular conditions and diabetes are two of the biggest health issues in the region, and early detection can be a lifesaver. Through such programs, it aims to empower individuals to become responsible for their own health by equipping them with information and resources to effectively manage their well-being. This is just one instance of how the company, under Mohamed Galal's leadership, has been revolutionizing the healthcare sector in the region.
Overcoming Healthcare Challenges in the Middle East
The Middle Eastern healthcare sector, although changing, continues to experience many challenges. One of the most important barriers in the region is the variation in healthcare services compared to mature markets. He says, "While the healthcare sector in ME is striving to see the availability of healthcare services, it continues to lag behind achieving per capita equivalence in relation to developed markets." Gaps in service availability and accessibility continue to be a major issue despite progress.
One of the main challenges in tackling these problems is the ignorance. A large number of people in the region are not aware of the significance of preventive care and early screening, and consequently, chronic diseases are diagnosed in their later stages. Bayer is tackling this problem by spreading awareness and bringing health services closer to the people. "We are proactively initiating programs aimed at promoting awareness and improving access to basic health care," Mohamed Galal points out. Through partnerships with healthcare institutions and governments, Bayer is helping to bridge these gaps and ensure individuals get the care they require when they require it.
Also, local production is part of its plan to increase accessibility within the region. He highlights the significance of localization in improving the efficiency and responsiveness of healthcare towards the needs of the population. "By investing locally in manufacturing, we are making sure that high-quality healthcare solutions are easily accessible to the populations we serve," he says. Not only does this make products easily accessible, but it also contributes to the development of the region's economy.
Utilizing Technology for Improved Healthcare
Technology is now playing a more critical part in defining the future of healthcare. At the vanguard of this change are digital health and artificial intelligence, and Bayer is embracing these technologies to improve patient care as well as operational effectiveness. The organization has made investments in digital health platforms that offer patients useful tools for managing their health, such as symptom-tracking and medication-adherence apps.
Mohamed Galal emphasizes the significance of utilizing AI to enhance healthcare outcomes. "We collaborate with technology firms and start-ups to assist us in embedding AI-based diagnostics and other innovative technologies into our products," he explains. One such instance is the partnership between Bayer and Huma Therapeutics to create the 'Bayer Aspirin Heart Risk Assessment' tool. This online calculator assesses the risk of cardiovascular disease without invasive testing, rendering it a priceless asset for patients in the area.
Bayer applies AI not only to patient care but also to enhancing its operations. Through the processing of huge volumes of healthcare data, it can more easily determine healthcare professionals most in need of its products. Through the use of data, the firm can reach the right persons and consequently enhance patient care, and make sure that the solutions find their way to those in greatest need.
Encouraging Sustainability in Healthcare
Sustainability is also high on the list of priorities, and the company is dedicated to ensuring that sustainable healthcare practices are promoted throughout the Middle East. That commitment goes beyond the environmental footprint of its business and touches social and economic as well. As Mohamed Galal describes, "Sustainability is a foundation of Bayer's mission, and we are strongly committed to encouraging sustainable healthcare practices throughout the region."
Bayer has ambitious sustainability goals, including a pledge to assist 100 million smallholder farmers, empower 100 million individuals with self-care solutions, and deliver modern contraception to 100 million women by 2030. In the Middle East, these objectives have helped shape focused campaigns to enhance cardiovascular health as well as deliver screenings to thousands of people. "We have effectively screened 3,000 people in 25 clinics in Iraq," Mohamed Galal explains, drawing attention to the outreach work.
The firm is also dedicated to lowering its environmental impact, such as the use of degradable materials in packaging and promotional campaigns. "By incorporating these green practices in our operations, we are not only looking to support environmental well-being, but are looking to have a positive impact on the well-being of communities," he says.
Building High-Performing Teams and Fostering Innovation
A leader's influence is as powerful as the teams he or she assembles and the culture he or she fosters within the organization. Mohamed Galal is dedicated to assembling great performing teams and fostering an environment that promotes innovation. At Bayer, this is done through a distinctive model called Dynamic Shared Ownership (DSO), which emphasizes collaboration, customer focus, and accelerated work cycles.
"We enable our teams to work more effectively and creatively," he clarifies. Through alignment of teams around the needs of the customer, the company will be in a position to enhance response time and ensure that innovation is at the core of all they do. Mohamed Galal's management strategy also encompasses the establishment of shorter project development timelines, referred to as 90-day cycles, which enable quick feedback and correction of direction. This responsive methodology not only improves efficiency but also fosters ongoing improvement.
By fostering a culture that promotes collaboration and innovation, Mohamed Galal has made Bayer a pioneer in providing innovative health solutions. "Our mission is to leverage the scale of a multinational with the speed and agility of a start-up," he explains.
The Growth Strategy
In the future, Bayer's growth strategy in the Middle East is centered on localization, strategic alliances, and building greater accessibility for consumers. Mohamed Galal is intent on having its solutions be region-specific. That entails not just manufacturing more products locally but also poaching local talent to drive innovation and offer insight into the regional nuances of the market.
"We are dedicated to bringing and keeping local talent on board to build a workforce that has knowledge of the economic and cultural contexts of these markets," he imparts. By hiring local talent, the company is not merely building stronger operations, but it is also enabling the staff to own the success of the company.
Innovation will remain a pillar of Bayer's strategy. "Whether through new therapies, digital health solutions, or community health initiatives, we hope to offer high-quality, effective alternatives that enhance the lives of people in the Middle East," he says, highlighting the continued commitment to enhanced health outcomes in the region.
Advice for Aspiring Healthcare Leaders
As an experienced leader of more than three decades, Mohamed Galal knows a thing or two about leaving a mark in the healthcare industry. "My first piece of advice is to believe in the growth story of the industry and the region," he says.
He encourages future leaders to immerse themselves in the nuances of the healthcare industry, understand the unique needs of different markets, and build strong relationships with stakeholders. “This deep understanding will enhance your ability to lead effectively and create solutions that resonate with the people,” he advises.
He also stresses the need for integrity, teamwork, and ongoing learning as basic characteristics of successful leadership. "Foster a culture of agility and adaptability," he recommends. Adopting these attributes, future leaders can leave a lasting legacy for the healthcare industry and enhance the lives of millions of people.
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