* This is a contributed article. The IBTimes news staff was not involved in the creation of this article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of IBTimes. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here are our T&C. For licensing please click here.
The healthcare system in Manaus, Brazil, is under huge strain because of surging virus numbers
The healthcare system in Manaus, Brazil, is under huge strain because of surging virus numbers AFP / Michael DANTAS

The healthcare industry in the US continues to grow at a rapid pace --where in fact, spending for this segment has been pegged at 19.7 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020. Expecting continuous growth, industry experts have forecasted that US healthcare expenditure will jump to $6.2 trillion by the year 2028.

As a result of the growth, the US is still the country with the most expensive healthcare, followed only by Switzerland, Norway, and Germany.

Looking to offset the large cost of healthcare, providers are now leveraging an increase across clients wishing to play a more active role in taking care of their own health via the use of modern technological innovations that are available for use.

This is the paradox that motivated Gunter Wessels. "The healthcare industry is a confusing maze of incentives and the only way to navigate it is to manage to be on top of things because it is always changing."

Wessels explains that amidst the vibrant picture of growth portrayed by the healthcare segment, there are still many challenges to be faced, including the need to harness advanced health technology; information and health services; cybersecurity; increasing healthcare costs; payment processes; expensive pharmaceutical prices; regulatory changes and shortage in staffing.

The large presence of challenges has prompted Wessels to make a call for action--urging the development and use of newer technologies accompanied by a change in present-day market practices.

"Healthcare providers and related businesses should understand the impact made by these challenges on the industry and should constantly be on the verge of developing new technology, while also setting the path to improving and making the practice more sustainable and efficient," he said.

Gunter recalls an episode in his life that served as a wake-up call for him to make a difference in this fast-paced industry. "One of my closest friends was suffering from a lingering illness--it was a roller coaster ride for all of us close to him, one day he would be better, the next day it would take a turn for the worst, then it would be good again. This served as an eye-opener for me. I thought back then, the only way to make healthcare better is to change healthcare itself."

Another aspect that Gunter wanted to place a strong focus on was communications within the industry--and it was with this focal point that prompted him to establish LiquidSMARTS, a Global Professional Services and Technology Company focused on reducing miscommunication, misalignment of resources, and dis-coordination of action in periods of rapid change.

The company gives a whole new meaning to training and skills development for businesses in the healthcare segment--presenting bespoke programs designed for relevance. The only way to make a sustainable change is to focus on behaviors that create a culture or caring. Consequently, LiquidSMARTS offers services based on its various areas of expertise, which include revenue enablement, evidence-based practice, pipeline management, deal management, strategy, negotiations, high-performance skills development, and commercialization services.

Wessels points out, "We are truly greatful for the expnonential that we have managed over the last few years. What makes us unique is our keen understanding of the significant role that communication plays in the healthcare industry today."

Since its establishment, LiquidSMARTS has successfully worked with some of the world's leading healthcare brands like Boston Scientific, Siemens, Roche, Illumina and Grifols, to name a few.

The change that Wessels wants for the industry is widely reflected in LiquidSMARTS ' continuing journey to success. "We have placed a strong premium on value--value-based purchasing, marketing and selling. Our mission and vision is to be at the forefront of bringing meaningful innovations to the market."