Medical Fair Thailand 2017 continues to grow alongside SEA’s medical industry

Southeast Asia’s medical industry is attracting more and more attention globally over the last couple of years as it continues to develop and gain traction in the field, making Medical Fair Thailand 2017 a great venue for business and trade opportunities for the region’s medical equipment manufacturers, distributors and consumers, according to Gernot Ringling, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf Asia, the organizer of Medical Fair Thailand.

He was speaking at a preview presentation on Medical Fair Thailand 2017 in Manila, Philippines on July 12. Medical Fair Thailand 2017, the event’s 8th edition, will be held from September 6 to 8at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand.

Southeast Asia’s rising medical industry

Southeast Asia’s medical industry was valued at US$100 billion at the beginning of 2017. The medical tourism industry is also on the rise with more than 3.5 million consumers arriving in Asia annually to seek treatment, and Thailand has positioned itself as a medical hub in the region.

Under the Thailand 4.0 policy, the country’s medical hub status in Southeast Asia is continuing to receive support from the government. The country has more than 17,000 healthcare facilities and 336 private hospitals that attract an average of two million foreign patients every year due to healthcare costs only one-fifth of those in the US and Europe.

Thailand has generated US$1.84 billion from medical tourism in 2012 and this figure grew to US$4.7 billion in 2015, helping the country enhance its research and clinical trials of advanced medicine and stem cell treatments. According to a report by VISA and Oxford Economics, medical travel market revenue could soar to US$3 trillion by 2025 and Thailand is among the top three destinations in Asia that is well-positioned to benefit.

The country is also shifting its focus to strengthen its medical equipment manufacturing industry. “We have always been supported by THAIMED. The Thai medical equipment industry used to be more on the health food and these things. Now, we have very sophisticated equipment,” Ringling commented on Thailand’s growing medical equipment manufacturing industry.

Trade and business opportunities

This makes Medical Fair Thailand 2017 a great venue for medical equipment manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and consumers to catch up with the latest innovations and developments as well as meet and network with each other.

In 2015, Medical Fair Thailand attracted 600 exhibitors from 42 countries who showcased their products and services under 15 national pavilions and country groups.

This year’s edition will see 18 national pavilions and country groups with the European Union (EU), India, the Netherlands, and Russia having their own pavilions for the first time this year. Around 700 leading exhibitors from 45 countries will showcase their latest technologies and innovations to 10,000 visitors from the global medical and healthcare field.

Dr. Jesus Jardin, MD, President of the Philippine Hospital Association (PHA), said Medical Fair Thailand 2017 will be a good place to find out about the newest innovations and technologies in the medical field. The event is also the best avenue for distributors to network with leading manufacturers from other parts of the world like Europe and China, he added.

“At the end of the day, it will improve [Philippines’] healthcare,” Dr. Jardin said on the benefits of attending the Medical Fair Thailand 2017. “Since we lack the newer technology, then it will be an opportunity for our hospitals, for businessmen here, distributors, for our government. When they attend these exhibitions, then it will give them an idea that these technologies are actually present so of course, it’s increasing our awareness of technology. Second, if for example they are interested in procurement, this is also an opportunity to procure these goods which you can bring in our country. At the end of the day, bringing these new technologies will mean better healthcare, better health services, efficient care.”

Knowledge sharing through concurrent events

Connected Healthcare & Rehabilitative Care solutions, practices and technologies will also be highlighted in Medical Fair Thailand 2017 through conferences and forums.

Returning for the 3rd edition, the Advanced Rehab Technology Conference (ARTeC) will emphasize innovation and effective technological solutions that could decrease mobility-related disabilities, reduce related complication, and improve quality of life. Gathering experts from around the world, the ARTeC 2017 will explore topics on robotic transfer system, robotic arm training devices, robotic gait training and wearable devices. To be held on September 6 and 7, ARTeC 207 is organized by the Royal College of Physiatrists of Thailand and the Thai Rehabilitation Medicine Association.

The Digital Imaging Seminar, happening on September 6, is organized by the Radiological Society of Thailand. It aims to provide updated information on technology in digital imaging and picture archiving communication system (PACS), application of information technology management to provide tools for patient radiation dose monitoring and audit. It will cover a wide range of topics ranging from network security, clinical and management aspects of digital imaging and PACS, risk management in radiology IT, and many others.

Organized by the Thai Medical Informatics Association, the CIO Forum on September 8 will discuss pertinent topics such as emerging trends. The opportunities and threats of hospital IT outsourcing, and review a case study on hacking into hospital information systems. This invitation-only forum will gather around 200 C-suite decision makers for a full day of intellectual exchange of ideas and knowledge.

The Interinstitute Conference organized by the Thai Gynecologic Cancer Society on September 8 will feature case presentations and discussions led by clinical fellows of gynecological oncology and staff lecturers from leading institutions. The invitation-only half-day medical conference will bring together professionals from leading hospitals, medical universities, and related institutions to exchange ideas and share knowledge and experience.

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