First day at the CMEF Show in Shenzhen

Wild Taxi Ride: I survived the taxi ride to the exposition center this morning. With almost 20 million people moving around this metropolis, at least 10 of them decided they needed the space we were in more than we did. Fortunately the driver had no problem defending the route and we arrived without loss of blood.

 

It is estimated that China will become the second largest medical equipment market in the world, surpassing Japan. By the end of 2010, the Chinese medical equipment industry will account for 5% of the global market share and this number is expected to rise to 25% by 2050. The encouraging atmosphere at CMEF reflects the rapid growth and development of the Chinese medical industry and the confidence in this market.

The CMEF exposition is sited in 8 large pavilions, with only a modest attempt at coherent organization. Attendance is above early predictions with many booths crowded and isles packed. We could see many animated business discussions, with optimism clearly in the air.

As I walked through the area with many ultrasound OEMs, I lost track of the number of Chinese makers we had never heard of before. The big players are here. Siemens, GE, Philips, Toshiba, Mindray, Teknova and Landwind who all have many models on display. For example, Mindray has at least 7 different ultrasound systems on display. All the large makers are hosting live scans.

New names include Xuzhou, Zoncare, Yoshine, Emperor, and Haiying. Terason machines are being represented by about five new Chinese distributors. Missing names include Carewell, WellD, and Sino-Hero.

Arab Healthcare Enjoys Another Successful Year

Release Date: Thursday, February 11, 2010

The Arab Health Exhibition & Congress, Dubai, UAE, was once again the focus for the world’s healthcare sector in January. Now in its 35th year, the show achieved an estimated 20 per cent increase in visitor numbers. Highlighting the increasingly important role played by the Middle East healthcare industry, healthcare authorities, medical device manufacturers, medical supply distributors and healthcare professionals from across the region and the globe convened in Dubai for Arab Health 2010. Held at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre from 25 – 28 January, the organiser, IIR Middle East, was delighted with the success of the 2010 show.

Demand for healthcare is growing driven by aging populations and life-style related diseases such as diabetes, particularly in the UAE and Gulf Region. Governments are being forced to tackle this issue head on which ultimately means a lot more investment in the healthcare infrastructure in these countries. In spite of significant project delays in other non-healthcare industry sectors, the pipeline of healthcare projects in the region remains remarkably robust, particularly for Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This has been reflected in the growth in the exhibitor, visitor and delegate numbers for this year’s Arab Health.

For many visitors, this was their first experience at Arab Health. For others, they return to the event year-on-year to network with distributors and manufacturers from across the globe. Research into the healthcare market in the Middle East indicates positive growth and we can expect further expansion on all levels.

Dubai-based research firm Proleads figures show government investment in healthcare-related projects in Saudi Arabia is currently running at more than US$5 billion, compared with around US$1 billion of private sector investment. Another report by Alpen Capital also forecasts the GCC may need in excess of 25,000 additional beds by 2020 to address growing demand for in-patient treatments. The largest share of demand is accounted for by Saudi Arabia followed by the UAE.

Exhibitors at Arab Health 2010 were in agreement that the healthcare industry in the region was set to grow even further. Pleased with the turnout, many exhibitors and show sponsors were keen to re-book and expand their presence for next year. Many exhibiting companies use Arab Health as a platform to conduct business and conclude successful business deals. Although most of the deals were kept under wraps during the event, Siemens Healthcare was at liberty to announce the biggest single order contract in Middle East, signed during Arab Health 2010.

Siemens Healthcare announced a contract win of US$69 million to supply diagnostic imaging equipment to all Ministry of Health hospitals across Iraq. The recently signed contract will provide the Iraqi Ministry of Health with unrivalled diagnostic imaging equipment, fully serviced over a period of 5 years.

Maurice Faber, Vice President Siemens Healthcare Sector Middle East said, “We are very proud to announce this agreement as it means we are playing an active role in the helping to rebuild healthcare services in Iraq. One major result of this contract will be improved healthcare for all Iraqi people, and advanced breast cancer screening facilities for women in Iraq.”

Last Day at Arab Health Expo

This was the last day of the conference. I just got back to the hotel after dinner with several new friends from Iran and Bangladesh. Mr. J.A. Mosa is a Civil Engineer with Adnan Saffarini, Engineering Consultants based in Dubai. Mr. Q. Hasan is the Managing Director of Bangladesh Health Products, based in Dhaka. We had a wide-ranging discussion covering topics related to the economic situation in this region. The short story is that yes, most construction has slowed and many projects are on hold, not unlike the slow down we have seen in the United States. On the other hand, the general opinion is looking at the longer-term growth and upside opportunities. There is no doubt that at least in the healthcare sector, the investments will continue.

Many contacts are looking forward to meeting again at the
CMEF Conference in Shenzhen in April. See you there!

Day Four Press Release

Hrh Princess Haya Urges Medical Community
To Invest In Prevention

Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, today urged the medical community to invest in prevention in a keynote speech at Leaders in Healthcare, the flagship gathering at the Arab Health Exhibition and Congress.

“If we want to see sustainable development in the health sector, we as members of the medical community must also be personally involved and take responsibility for the choices we make,” said Princess Haya. “Unless we have long-term vision, unless we invest in prevention, we will soon be overwhelmed by the level of diabetes, heart disease and other non-communicable diseases.”

The focus of this year’s Leaders in Healthcare was sustainable and green healthcare that would not only be environmentally friendly and cost-effective but also contribute to the overall quality of patient care and a higher quality of life for all people. Princess Haya, who delivered the keynote address, highlighted the need for sustainable healthcare systems, stressing that hospitals are one of the largest consumers of energy in the world today.

“They use twice as much energy per square foot as office buildings and generate millions and millions of tons of waste per year,” She said. “If the earth's ecosystem is to continue to support us, we need to preserve public health and provide health care in ways that will sustain our environment.”

Topics of discussion also included principles of sustainable healthcare, preventive approaches to healthcare, operational efficiency and increased profitability as well as the meaning of ‘going green’ and why it’s good for business.

In an initiative supported by Princess Haya, IIR Middle East and GTech arranged the collection and shipment of unused medical supplies and equipment that 2700 exhibitors donated from their stands to the Haitians that were left devastated after January 12th’s earthquake

Medical Relief Effort for Haiti

GTech Medical Services LLC, with the support of IIR Middle East Life Sciences, organizers of Arab Health, is coordinating and organizing the collection and shipment of medical supplies and equipment for Haiti Relief efforts during the Arab Health Exhibition & Congress, 25 – 28 January 2010. All supplies and equipment will be provided to Love a Child, a non-profit humanitarian organization dedicated to helping the children of Haiti, located in Fond Parisien, 30 miles outside of Port-au-Prince, as well as other relief organizations on the ground in Haiti.

“Arab Health is a huge medical exhibition, with over 2,700 exhibitors, most of whom have shipped in medical equipment and supplies for display at the show that either gets given away, thrown out or shipped back at great expense after the show,” said Ralph (Scooter) Childs, Managing Partner, GTech Medical Services LLC. “These items are desperately needed in Haiti right now. GTech, working with IIR Middle East, the organizer of Arab Health, is collecting any usable equipment, consumables or other healthcare items that companies would like to donate from their stands after the show closes. Arab Health is the perfect venue for organizing medical supplies for Haiti Relief and involving the world healthcare community. We are also donating equipment and supplies as well as coordinating this effort.”

With all the world’s major medical suppliers present at Arab Health 2010, there is an opportunity for exhibiting companies to participate in the relief effort through donations, logistical support and sponsorship of the Haiti medical relief effort. Medical supplies on display at the event will include imaging and diagnostic equipment, surgical and pediatric medical supplies, and general medical supplies, all of which are urgently required in earthquake-devastated Haiti.

Working alongside GTech Medical Services LLC and IIR Middle East Life Sciences, Airlink, one of the official freight forwarding companies at the event has agreed to transport the medical supplies and equipment to Europe where they will coordinate the onwards transportation to Port-au-Prince with international relief agencies. As one of the region’s largest travel, transport and logistics organizations, Airlink is pleased to be able to provide assistance during this humanitarian crisis.

“We think this is a fantastic initiative from GTech Medical Services LLC, and we, as organizers of the event are very happy to support it. We will do all we can to encourage our exhibiting companies to make donations,” said Simon Page, IIR Middle East Life Sciences Group Director. “We have already had support from our freight forwarding company Airlink who will co-ordinate shipping of the donations to Europe, and from Thomas Bennett, our design company who will produce the signage needed for the donations free of charge.”

Arab Health – Wednesday Impressions by Dan

Handheld Units

In day three of the Arab Health Expo, I concentrated on the small handheld ultrasound units. The Siemens P10 was on display with little attention. This product is about 2 years in the market now.

The GE Vscan was showcased on display prominently in the center of the ultrasound product line. New to the market, it's simple user interface and crisp display is announced as an “ultraportable, easy-to-use visualization tool”. The target is primary care clinicians, cardiologists, and critical care clinicians. The 510k clearances allows commercial sales in the USA, Europe and India on February 15, 2010, and in the Middle East by March 1, 2010.

Portable units from Landwind, WellD, and Kai Xin are also available to the international markets.

New Zealand Healthcare

I attended a Press Conference hosted by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, the New Zealand government's economic development agency. Additional content at www.nzte.govt.nz and www.marketnewzealand.com.

The country’s size and dispersed population have led to innovative uses of technology, and a flexible and highly responsive approach to meeting healthcare requirements. Added to this is a single tier of governance enabling better coordination and faster implementation and a publicly funded health service allowing national strategies to be developed and implemented across the whole system.

New Zealand has leveraged these advantages locally and globally. Integrated health strategies have been implemented across the country, including the National Health Index (NHI), which was initiated more than 20 years ago and enables the transfer of clinical information between agencies and data to be linked for monitoring, research and reporting purposes.

The success of the NHI has led to the development of the Health Practitioner Index and nationwide health data networks connecting hospitals, laboratories, radiology services and general practitioners, allowing the secure sharing of relevant medical information in a timely fashion.

New Zealand’s health sector is well versed in technology to drive efficiencies and deliver better health outcomes. The country has a high adoption rate of Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems, with nearly all of New Zealand’s general practitioners using computerized systems for clinical as well as administrative purposes and 100 percent of laboratories communicating via secure health data networks every day.

• A 2007 Commonwealth Fund survey shows New Zealand is ranked first in patient-centered care.

• A 2006 report into the health systems of developed countries shows New Zealand general practitioners have the second highest rate of electronic medical record use in the world.

• Practice management software estimated to be used by 95 percent of New Zealand general practices for patient administration, such as waiting room management, billing and referral orders and results.

• Over 98 percent of New Zealand general practitioners are using software for clinical purposes such as generating prescriptions and recording details of patient health encounters.

• 99 percent of New Zealand pharmacies are computerized.

The health system in New Zealand is based on the fundamental philosophy that healthcare should be delivered to those who need it, when they need it. With a strong focus on primary care, the health sector is internationally recognized as a provider of high quality, trusted services that are delivered in a cost-effective manner.

Overall responsibility for New Zealand’s health and disability system lies with the Ministry of Health who are the principle advisors to the government. They fund and monitor regional and national services, and provide regulatory functions.

In order to continue to deliver high quality healthcare, the Ministry has identified priority areas including ongoing improvements in preventive and primary care, chronic disease management and associated social determinants, indigenous health, and the specific needs of children, young people and senior citizens.

The Ministry has a clear focus on collaboration at local, regional and national levels to deliver innovative solutions and a cohesive and efficient system.

New Zealand’s health system is funded via a mix of capitation and fee-for- service, and includes public, private and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) which work together to provide and fund healthcare.

Burj Tower

I also took time to make my way to the Burj Khalifa Tower (formally known as the Burj Dubai Tower), unquestionably the World's tallest manmade structure. If you have an interest in visiting the observation level, be aware that 100 Dirham tickets are usually sold out two to three days in advance. On the other hand, a 400 Dirham contribution will allow priority access to the front of the line. The single flight elevator holds about a dozen people and makes the 160 stories ride in about 30 seconds.

Current records of the Tower:

• Tallest skyscraper to top of spire: 828 m (2,717 ft)
• Tallest structure ever built: 828 m (2,717 ft)
• Building with most floors: 160 floors
• World's highest elevator installation, situated inside a rod at the very top of the building
• World's fastest elevators at speed of 64 km/h (40 mph) or 18 m/s (59 ft/s)
• Highest vertical concrete pumping (for any construction): 606 m (1,988 ft)
• The first world's tallest structure in history to include residential space
• Highest outdoor observation deck in the world (124th floor) at 442 m (1,450 ft)
• World's highest mosque (located on the 158th floor)
• World's highest installation of an aluminum and glass façade, at a height of 512 m (1,680 ft)
• World's highest swimming pool (76th floor)

Here is a view from the observation deck, to the west:

Day Three Press Release

Spotlight on Sustainable Healthcare 

The spotlight turns on sustainable healthcare systems today (28 January 2010) at Leaders in Healthcare, the flagship gathering at the Arab Health Exhibition and Congress taking place in Dubai.

Leading minds from the region and beyond will participate, beginning with a special keynote address from Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai.

“This year we are featuring sustainable healthcare that is not only environmentally friendly and cost-effective but also contributes to the overall quality of patient care and quality of life for all people,” said Pam Page, director of the Leaders in Healthcare conference.

Among other high-level speakers taking part in Leaders in Healthcare are: Brian De Francesca, Executive Vice President, TBS Group and Senior Partner, Capitol Health, USA; Heinrich Von Wulfen, CEO, EMEA and CRM, Siemens Healthcare Sector, Erlangen, Germany; G. Steven Burrill, Chief Executive, Burrill & Co., USA; Dr Walid Fitahi, CEO, International Medical Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Professor Elias Mossialos, Centre Director, London School of Economics Health, UK; Dr Mark Parrish, Director of Health Solutions Group Asia Pacific and Middle East, Microsoft, Australia.

Underlining the importance of the conference, von Wulfen said: “The way we deliver healthcare is massively challenged. Significant demographic and lifestyle changes are underway in established, emerging and developing societies. These megatrends pose tough economic, ecological and health questions.”

Arab Health - Tuesday Impressions by Dan

The second day at Arab Health was busy with exploring the halls to discover who is here and who is not. It is encouraging to see Siemens with their usual mega-booth again competing with GE and Philips to see just how many of their own people they can get into their space. The good news is there seem to be plenty of potential customers standing around watching the demonstrations.

If you have been to Medica Dusseldorf, you would be comfortable at Arab Health Dubai.  Over a dozen halls spread out to allow all types of health care apparatus on display. This venue also has segregated country sections showcasing the usual OEMs from China, Turkey, France, Germany, Italy, and a small group from the USA. Iran, Brazil, and the Ukraine round out the emerging markets with reps looking for sources of equipment and supplies to meet a growing market in their own cultures.

It is interesting to see Siemens with their P10 at the show but without any special attention.  Old news for them. GE has their new VScan on display and available for demo.  New news for GE with the appropriate TV crews buzzing around. I'll be looking at more details tomorrow.

The weather here is pleasant with a high of about 80F.  Sky is hazy.  Here is a photo of the Burj in the sunset.

Day Two Press Release

Bionic Limb Centre for Region ‘Under Study’ 

A clinical centre in the Middle East to fit patients with the world’s most advanced bionic fingers and hands is under study, it was revealed today at the Arab Health Exhibition and Congress taking place in Dubai.

The technology behind the “robotic” hands and fingers that look and act like the real thing, was demonstrated to HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, during his visit to Arab Health earlier this week.

“I was able to show Sheikh Mohammed that the hands function not just on a cosmetic basis but you can, for example, grip a cup of hot tea,” said UK Business Ambassador Lord Darzi, an eminent surgeon in the field of robotics, a former government health minister and the keynote speaker on robotic surgery at Arab Health.

 

Touch Bionics, the UK developer of advanced upper-limb technologies, is exhibiting bionic hands, fingers and artificial “living skin” at Arab Health, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre until 28 January 2010 and featuring more than 2700 exhibiting companies from 70 countries.

Guarav Mishra, International Business Development Director for Touch Bionics, said the company plans to expand in the Middle East and has had expressions of interest from Saudi Arabia, Iran, Jordan, Qatar and Kuwait. “We are also exploring the possibility of our own clinical centre in the region to train people in the technology as well as clinically treat them,” he added.

Lord Darzi also praised Qatar for the leading regional role it is playing in the fast-developing field of robotic surgery. Lord Darzi is a world leading surgeon at Imperial College London specialising in the field of minimally invasive and robot-assisted surgery, pioneering many new techniques and technologies.  

Imperial College London is partnering with Qatar Science and Technology Park in setting up the Qatar Robotic Surgery Centre. “We are delighted to be working with Qatar on what is going to be a regional centre for robotic surgery and we hope there will be areas of joint innovation,” Lord Darzi said.

He described robotic surgery as still being in its infancy. “It is like when Henry Ford introduced his first car and you could get any colour as long as it was black. Innovation in the next five years in areas of robotic surgery…will have a huge impact on quality of life after surgery,” he added.

Day One Opening Press Release

Healthcare world descends on Dubai

The Middle East’s largest gathering of healthcare professionals was inaugurated today (Monday 25 January 2010) by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai.

The Arab Health Exhibition and Congress, which runs until 28 January 2010, is the biggest event to date at the Dubai World Trade Centre taking up all available space and featuring more than 2700 exhibiting companies from 70 countries.

The healthcare world has descended on the Arab Health Exhibition and Congress which has again confirmed it is by one if the world’s most important healthcare exhibitions,” said Simon Page, Group Director of the Life Sciences Division of organisers IIR Middle East, who accompanied Sheikh Mohammed on a tour of the show.

Arab Health provides an unrivalled opportunity for professionals to bring their knowledge and understanding up to date and a testament to the continuing development of the region’s healthcare sector,”

With the Middle East healthcare sector continuing to enjoy robust growth despite the global downturn, more companies than ever are exhibiting at Arab Health this year in their search for new business, according to the organisers.

Germany has this year mounted its biggest ever representation at a health event outside of Germany with more than 400 companies participating. For the first time, the second biggest representation comes from China with around 300 exhibiting companies. Big representations also come from the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States, each with around 200 exhibiting companies; and India, Iran, Italy, South Korea and Taiwan with upwards of 100 companies each.

Arab Health is the flagship of the Life Science Division of IIR Middle East, the largest trade and consumer event business in the region, and features the world’s biggest multi-track medical congress at which healthcare professionals can earn continuing medical education credits. The 2010 conferences, sponsored by the Cleveland Clinic Centre for Continuing Education, are being addressed by around 500 speakers and are hosting more than 5,500 attendees.

The winners of the Arab Health Achievement and Innovation Awards, recognising individuals, hospitals, departments, teams or organisations contributing to the growth and development of the industry, will be announced during a gala dinner tonight (26 January 2010) at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha) is this year’s Arab Health Awards diamond sponsor. Gold sponsors are Roche, Miele, Cerner, dothealth, Microsoft Health Vault and Microsoft Amalga.

The Arab Health Exhibition and Congress is supported by the UAE Ministry of Health, Dubai Health Authority and the Abu Dhabi Health Authority. For further information on all aspects of the Arab Health Exhibition and Congress, please visit: www.arabhealthonline.com

Arab Health Exhibition Preview

Welcome to Arab Health Exhibition, the up and coming main event for the Healthcare Industry. Imagee Consulting has Dan Tidwell on site this week to report about what is becoming the preeminent conference for the Middle East and perhaps the rest of the world.

The Arab Health Exhibition & Congress is, by far, the largest healthcare exhibition in the Middle East, and the second largest in the world. Arab Health is viewed as a must-attend global event in the healthcare calendar. Established 35 years ago, it provides a platform for the world's leading manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors to meet the medical and scientific community in the Middle East and beyond.

At the 2009 event 2205 exhibitors from 59 countries showcased their products and services. Over 56,000 professionals from 145 countries - comprising 70% decision makers and 85% visitors directly involved in purchasing products and services attended Arab Health last year. With the addition of extra halls this number of exhibitors and visitors will grow in 2010.

Arab Health also features the world's largest and most comprehensive conferences program - Arab Health Congress. The 2010 Congress will feature 17 internationally accredited conferences, addressed by 400 eminent and internationally acclaimed speakers and hosting more than 5,500 delegates and conference attendees.

With its line up of innovative educational activities, such as free accredited education and strategic tie ups with regional institutes, Arab Health leads the way in delivering the best interactive opportunities to the show participants and an ideal B2B environment to the audiences.

The Arab Health exhibition delivers to exhibitors the right balance between dealers and distributors, senior decision makers and end users. Arab Health is the business destination of choice for the Middle East Market estimated to be close to $80 billion per year. Due to the huge increase in the expatriate population it is also one of the fastest growing regions with an estimated annual growth of 16%.

Check back in daily to see what the conference offers...