Disparities in healthcare continue to be a persistent worldwide issue, with varying levels of access to quality healthcare services. For some, state-of-the-art facilities and specialists are within reach, while for others, even basic diagnostic equipment is out of reach, causing delayed treatment and deteriorating health. In Morocco, there is a visionary named Samir Saliba who saw this disparity and took action to close it through innovation. As the Founder of Vital Tech, a Casablanca-based medical technology firm, Samir has committed himself to revolutionizing Morocco’s healthcare system by focusing on affordable and efficient diagnosis.
Vital Tech imports and designs novel diagnostic and early healthcare devices, with the aim of improving patient outcomes and simplifying healthcare delivery. At its core is a transportable ultrasound device—compact, strong, and capable of being used anywhere. This revolutionary innovation tackles the essential problem of time-consuming and ineffective point-of-service diagnosis, facilitating quicker disease detection and treatment. By providing healthcare professionals, including cardiologists, surgeons, and general practitioners, with advanced but affordable equipment, Vital Tech makes diagnostics not only precise but also available to a wider audience.
Samir’s career as an innovator embodies a strong sense of mission to deliver unmet medical needs in Morocco and worldwide. Through Vital Tech, he is revolutionizing healthcare access so life-saving diagnostics become available to those who most need them. His career path presents a fascinating narrative of vision, perseverance, and influence within the medical technology industry.
Let’s dive into below interview highlights to discover more about his impactful journey!
Could you briefly share your journey into healthcare innovation and what led you to establish Vital Tech?
My journey into healthcare started from something very personal: witnessing how difficult it can be for people especially in remote or rural areas to access basic diagnostic tools. I’ve seen how the lack of equipment can delay care or even lead to life-threatening situations that could’ve been avoided with early diagnosis. That stuck with me.
I founded Vital Tech because I wanted to do something about it. We started with portable ultrasound because I truly believe it’s the stethoscope of the 21st century, something every healthcare worker should have on hand. It’s simple, powerful, and can be used anywhere. Our goal is to make that kind of technology accessible to those who need it most, not just in big hospitals but in community clinics, rural outposts, even mobile health units.
What core problem were you aiming to solve when Vital Tech was founded?
We wanted to close the gap in access to diagnostic care, especially in rural areas where people rely on midwives and general practitioners who often don’t have the tools they need. Prenatal care, lung issues, and emergency cases were going unaddressed or delayed. Traditional machines were too expensive, too complex, and required specialists. We built a solution that’s mobile, affordable, and easy to use, backed by proper training.
What have been the most transformative solutions or products Vital Tech has brought to market?
Vital Scan is a dual-probe, handheld ultrasound capable of full-body imaging. It brings hospital-level diagnostics to frontline workers in any setting. Features like remote scanning, secure cloud access, and automated measurement tools have made it a go-to device for rural clinics, mobile units, and emergency teams.
How is Vital Tech adapting to or driving the digital transformation of healthcare in Morocco?
We’re pushing the shift by making diagnostics mobile, connected, and easier to use. Tele-ultrasound allows specialists to support frontline workers remotely. Vital Academy trains users on the ground, making ultrasound more accessible. We’re building the tools and the skills at the same time bringing real change to where it’s needed most.
What challenges have you faced in implementing tech-driven healthcare solutions, and how have you overcome them?
Validation and funding were the biggest hurdles. For validation, we partnered with Bern University in Switzerland to train and test our tech in real-world settings. For funding, we built a clear business model and showed results early, which helped attract strategic investors who believed in the mission.
Have any partnerships played a pivotal role in Vital Tech’s growth and impact?
Absolutely. Sterifil, our distributor in Morocco, believed in us early—even though they usually work with big multinationals. They held us to a high standard, challenged our processes, and helped us grow up fast. That kind of partnership is rare and has been key to our scale.
How do you see the future of digital health evolving in Morocco over the next five years?
We’ll see more decentralization. Tools like ours will move diagnostics out of hospitals and into communities. Data will play a bigger role in public health, and training non-specialists will be essential. The system won’t rely as heavily on infrastructure but it’ll rely on accessibility and smart, portable tech.
What advice would you give to emerging healthtech entrepreneurs in Morocco and across Africa?
Know your local reality. Don’t copy-paste global solutions. Build partnerships early, especially with people who will challenge you. And stay flexible. Tech changes fast, healthcare moves slowly and you need to understand both to succeed.
