The International Heart Surgery Centre Greece/HYGEIA joins the international network Smart Hospital Alliance

19 June 2025

The International Heart Surgery Centre Greece/HYGEIA, based at HYGEIA Hospital, is engaging in a significant strategic partnership with the international digital health company Health on Cloud (HOC), officially joining the global network Smart Hospital Alliance (SHA). This development marks another significant step in the digital transformation of HYGEIA, aiming at upgrading patient care and strengthening international cooperation in medical innovation.

Health on Cloud, based in South Korea and active in Europe, Asia and America, specializes in the development of innovative digital, healthcare solutions, such as telemedicine platforms, artificial intelligence tools and interactive medical education programs.

The Smart Hospital Alliance, comprising more than 16 top medical institutions from Singapore, the United Kingdom, South Korea and the United States, aims at promoting innovation and access to quality healthcare globally, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and a broad network of scientific partnerships.

The collaboration will initially focus on cardiac surgical care, with applications such as virtual and augmented reality, teleconsultation and digital education, developing clinical intervention and education opportunities globally. At the same time, the alliance will leverage its momentum to develop joint initiatives in areas such as medical innovation, artificial intelligence and health data analytics, with the aim of improving clinical outcomes and reducing inequalities in access to care.

The Director of the International Heart Surgery Centre Greece/HYGEIA and Director of the First Cardiac Surgery Clinic of HYGEIA, Mr. Theodoros Kofidis, stated: “We are delighted to have been selected as members of the Smart Hospital Alliance alongside our partners from around the world. The International Heart Surgery Centre Greece, at HYGEIA Hospital, is committed to developing new and innovative solutions – such as virtual and augmented reality, education, telemedicine, teleconsultation, etc. – for the greater benefit of patients-, and this agreement is an exciting step in this direction. As part of the Alliance, we look forward to exploring further opportunities, in support of patient-centred care and the advancement of cardiac surgery.”

Mr. Andreas Kartapanis, President and CEO of HYGEIA Hospital, added: “HYGEIA is at the forefront of international developments, strengthening Greece’s position on the map of global medical innovation. Through targeted partnerships, we promote quality, technology and equal access to care for all.”

On his part, Professor Sanghoon Jheon, CEO of Health on Cloud and President of the Asian Society of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, stated: “HYGEIA’s joining the Smart Hospital Alliance signals the strengthening of international cooperation in the healthcare sector. Our shared commitment to excellence and innovation in cardiac care is the foundation for a more effective healthcare system.”

By the International Heart Surgery Centre Greece/HYGEIA joining the Smart Hospital Alliance, the ability to disseminate medical knowledge and experience is enhanced, shaping a new model of education and care that goes beyond geographical borders, with a real impact on the health of people worldwide.

About the Smart Hospital Alliance (SHA): SHA is committed to eliminating barriers in healthcare innovation by providing professionals in developing countries with access to innovations, digital solutions and teleconsultation services. The Alliance works cooperatively on educational initiatives and knowledge exchange to drive positive changes in healthcare delivery, for the ultimate benefit of patients around the world.

About Health on Cloud (HOC): Health on Cloud is a South Korea-based digital healthcare company active in Singapore, the United Kingdom and Latin America. HOC develops telemedicine platforms, AI-enabled clinical tools, and immersive medical education programs that enable smarter healthcare delivery and cross-border cooperation.