RIYADH – Affirming its prioritization of the health and well-being of its residents, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has increased funding for medical services by 16 percent in 2013. All in all, around SR100 billion has been allotted to the Kingdom's medical services and social development throughout the current year. Last year, the Saudi government revealed that it had signed healthcare projects worth around SR3 billion. So far, around 102 hospitals with a total bed capacity of 2,300 and five medical cities with a 6,200-bed capacity are being constructed. The latest budget will fund these, along with 19 new hospitals and medical centers. To help capitalize on prevailing market opportunities, the Saudi Ministry of Health is patronizing the 2013 edition of Saudi Health, the largest international healthcare event in the Kingdom. Running from May 12 to 14, 2013, Saudi Health will gather government and private sector entities to explore exciting prospects in the Kingdom's rapidly growing medical services industry. Part of the event's strong appeal is Informa Life Sciences' philosophy of “Exhibition with Education” which is realized via a comprehensive multitrack congress covering diverse medical disciplines.
Among the key global issues slated for discussion are imaging and diagnostics, medical laboratories, biomedical engineering, nursing, primary healthcare, rehabilitation, and trauma. “This year's Saudi Healthcare builds on the expertise of two world-class organizers, Riyadh Exhibitions Company and Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions, to bring the latest and the best medical products, services and solutions to the Kingdom. The event provides an unparalleled opportunity for companies either just planning to enter the Saudi market or fortifying their current presence to rapidly grow their business within the Middle East's biggest healthcare-spending state,” said Kamil Al Jawhari, Project Manager - Saudi Health, Riyadh Exhibitions Company. International exhibitors from 17 countries have confirmed their participation in the 2013 Saudi Health Exhibition and Conference. — SG
