RIYADH — Under the patronage of Eng. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, Minister of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Saudi Health 2015, the largest healthcare event in Saudi Arabia, will be inaugurated tomorrow (May 18) at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. Running until May 20, 2015, the latest edition of the premier healthcare show is aimed toward generating strong interest from leading local, regional and global healthcare companies. Spread over 8,000 sqm of space, Saudi Health will host 11 country pavilions, 18 exhibiting countries, and 350 exhibitors, providing them a venue to directly access an expanding market by launching and demonstrating their products. Saudi Health is organized by Riyadh Exhibitions Company Limited (REC), the leading promoter of trade events in the KSA with a portfolio of 12 specialized exhibitions and conferences. The event is an excellent opportunity for exhibitors to interact with key decision makers, meet existing clients and partners, seek contacts for future business, and raise the profile of their organization. Visitors, on the other hand, will be able to discover the most innovative healthcare solutions, network with policy makers from local government and private sector authorities, and meet international organizations to source new products, technologies and services. An official from REC said: “The KSA's healthcare and social affairs sectors account for 18.6 percent of the total budget for 2015 at SR160 billion, receiving the largest spending boost. This will fund the construction of 27 new hospitals and health facilities in addition to 117 hospitals and eight medical cities already underway. On this backdrop, Saudi Health 2015 will be a perfect platform for professionals from the local healthcare industry to network with international corporations to get deeper insights on new healthcare trends and innovative medical technologies.” Aside from a display of medical equipment and technology, Saudi Health 2015 will host a series of Continuing Medical Education (CME) accredited conferences which will contribute to the further development of the country's healthcare sector. The workshops and conferences will enable participants to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and network with peers and experts. The conferences will encompass various segments of the healthcare industry such as Biomedical Engineering, Cardiology, Health Informatics, MEDLAB, Public Health, Rehabilitation, SSMRT, Diagnostic Radiology, and Nursing Conference. The KSA's thriving healthcare industry has reached the SR108.59 billion mark, driving demand for over 70,000 beds by 2016. Saudi Health is an ideal place to conduct business by making new contacts, reinforcing existing partnerships, and launching new products or services. Saudi Arabia has proven its leadership in regional healthcare sector, fuelled by increased government spending in healthcare, rise in population, increase in per capita income and growing healthcare projects. The government intends to significantly increase the quality of healthcare services in the country. The “Saudi Arabian Healthcare Outlook 2020” report by RNCOS business consultancy services said the healthcare sector in the Kingdom is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of around 9% during the 2015-2020. It noted that the government initiatives play a vital role in boosting the kingdom's healthcare market. The study of the emerging trends also revealed that liberalized investment rules, and compulsory healthcare insurance policies would help the Saudi Arabian healthcare market to grow in the coming years. Furthermore, compulsory healthcare insurance and the thriving healthcare services in Haj sessions are some of the major factors that are driving this industry in the kingdom. — SG
