Andover, Mass., USA and Cardiff, Wales, UK -- Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) and the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists (ISRRT) have announced a unique program to extend healthcare education in Europe, Asia and the South Pacific. The International Access to Learning (IAL) program builds on the success of Philips' industry-leading learning services and realizes the mission of both organizations: to improve the quality of radiographic and radiation therapy practice globally through access to education, sharing of best practices and improved collaboration between clinicians.

The first phase of the IAL program is being piloted in three countries: Estonia, Fiji and India. Participants will be able to select from Philips' catalog of more than 300 accredited, clinical and business courses. Philips will provide these courses at no cost to the members of ISRRT Societies who can access program guidelines and registration via the ISRRT web site. Later phases of the program will assess the success of this pilot, as both organizations hope to broaden the offerings to members in additional countries and work collaboratively to deliver training of most need to ISRRT members.

"Medical imaging and radiation therapy practiced by fully qualified and highly trained individuals have become complex tasks, requiring the highest standards coupled with a respect and understanding of radiation safety," said Robert George, president of the ISRRT. "Many countries now require each professional to attain and maintain continuous education as part of their licensing and registration processes. It is hoped that this relationship will enhance these opportunities and thus improve the quality of radiographic and radiation therapy practice worldwide."
The program will commence in the first quarter of 2008 and will be monitored for content demand, intermational access and further adoption of member organizations. In the future, Philips and ISRRT hope to work together to offer opportunities for member Societies to gain access to educational programs using the Philips Global Training Centers located in the U.S., the Netherlands and Singapore.

"We are pleased to implement this program as we recognize the global need for continuous education to maintain and advance clinical competencies," said Douglas Dell, global director of Learning Services for Philips Healthcare. "We have designed our learning management system consistent with our brand: advanced technology designed around the customer that is easy to experience. By collaborating with the ISRRT, we can broadly extend our resources to audiences seeking quality education programs."