SAUDI ARABIA – Two offshore drilling rigs in the Arabian Gulf have deployed new video medical services to provide better healthcare for rig workers.

The new telemedicine services are being provided by InPlace Medical Solutions, a Houston-based developer of video offshore medical services. Scorpion Offshore, which operates the Freedom rig and Intrepid rig, will use InPlace Medical’s video remote medical services for episodic and continuing medical care for their employees.

"We are thrilled to be expanding our relationship with InPlace Medical to include our operations in Saudi Arabia," said Travis Fitts Jr., vice president of human resources, health, safety and environment for Scorpion Offshore. "The feedback from our people who participated in the pilot program in Malaysia has been encouraging and we look forward to building on the achievements to date."

InPlace officials said the company will provide trained medics, physician examinations and oversight, medical equipment, medical-quality videoconferencing, an electronic medical record system and an enhanced medication inventory to workers on the two rigs. Officials said services provided will be delivered securely through each location’s Internet capability.

"In addition to the advanced medical support, we are moving forward with additional support programs that enhance worker health," said Fitts.

He said the agreement brings wellness and lifestyle improvement coaching that was previously only available shore-side right to the rig.

“The expansion of our services into Saudi waters further shows our growing global competence," said Shannon Caldwell, executive director for offshore and remote services for NuPhysicia LLC, the parent company of InPlace Medical Solutions. "Our customers continue to see the value of our enhanced video medical services for offshore locations that brings physician care to the rig."