IIR launches specialist healthcare shows

The 1st Middle East Patient Safety Congress will take place from September 27-30, while the International Emergency Medical Services Congress will be held from October 12-14. Both events will have associated exhibitions.

The announcement came as IIR reported that Arab Health, being held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, is on course for its largest ever turnout of trade visitors, with registrations for the first three days 15% up on last year.

"We have launched these two important congresses to meet the growing regional need for dedicated forums to discuss critical healthcare issues including improved patient safety systems, devices and protocols and the key lessons to be learned from emergency incidents," said John Hassett, Exhibtions Director, Healthcare Division, IIR.

"The Patient Safety Congress is already receiving great interest from Middle East ministries, as well as private and public sector hospitals. We anticipate this event will rapidly establish itself as one of the most important healthcare gatherings in the region."

Issues to be addressed by the Congress include the use of technology to enhance safety; the role of governments in improving patient safety; infection control and injuries and accidents in hospitals, including medication errors and surgical safety.

Meanwhile, the International Emergency Medical Services Congress will examine international and regional emergency medical response strategies, including dealing with chemical, biological, and nuclear threats; preparedness and response planning for local and federal government organisations; crisis communications; disaster recovery and post incident medical and trauma management.

"At times of crisis, the safety of people and assets depends on the effectiveness of emergency plans and the ability of the public and private sector to meet an emergency, or potential disaster, with fast and decisive action," said Hassett.

"The International Emergency Medical Services Congress will provide an excellent platform for everyone involved in emergency service planning and provision to access the most up-to-date thinking, techniques and training methods from international and regional experts."

The announcement of the new shows comes hard on the heels of IIR's launch of its America Health exhibition, to be held in Washington in March 2004.

The initiative, which will build on the success of Arab Health, has been taken by IIR as part of its plans to develop the Dubai-based Arab Health brand globally.

"Arab Health is one of the most important exhibitions on the global healthcare calendar. We aim to leverage our relationship with the industry's top players, built up over 28 years, to develop the concept internationally," said Hassett.

"America Health will enable international companies to access the combined US and Canadian East Coast market, the largest in the world."

In addition to its record number of visitors Arab Health 2003 has set an exhibitor landmark with over 940 companies, from 50 countries participating, including substantial government-backed delegations from Germany, the UK, Italy, USA, China and France. The exhibition also has over 100 UAE-based companies participating.

Arab Health 2004, that will be held from January 25-28 next year, at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, will again be officially supported by the UAE Ministry of Health and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister for Finance and Industry and President, Department of Health and Medical Services, Government of Dubai.