Samsung Medical Center signs agreement with Index Holding to open its first MENA Medical Center in Dubai

"We are delighted that Samsung Medical Center considers Dubai to be their first residence in MENA region and we welcome their presence in UAE. We extend our support to the agreement signed today between Index Holding and Samsung Medical Center and we consider this step as an addition to Dubai's unremitting achievements in the medical sector. We highly appreciate the constant contribution of Index Holding in attracting foreign investment to UAE through the organization of prominent medical exhibitions and conferences such as FDI and IHF World Congress 2011 in addition to more than 12 annual leading conferences in cooperation with Dubai Health Authority. Dubai government highly encourages the private sector to invest in the medical sector, and Dubai Health Authority also considers the private sector to be its strategic partner in providing the best heath services in UAE." said Qadi Saeed Al Murroshid, Director General of Dubai Health Authority.

Since initiating Korea's first medical referral system in 1995, Samsung Medical Center currently maintains Korea's largest medical cooperative network that includes some 70 cooperative hospitals and 700 member clinics. With more than 10,000 personnel including 5,000 medical professionals, Samsung Medical Center is one of the largest advanced medical complexes. Also as a designated teaching hospital for Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center produces outstanding future leaders in healthcare.

"We would like to thank the government of Dubai, Dubai Health Authority and Index Holding for giving us the opportunity to introduce and promote the high state of our healthcare services to the region in Dubai, the city that represents quality of life. The agreement is a culmination of the forward-thinking leadership of Dubai government, a determination by Index Holding, and world class medical capabilities of the Samsung Medical Center, and will provide a new ground not only for strengthening healthcare status of both countries, but also for enhancing health and welfare of the Middle East and North Africa. We will also welcome the patients to be treated in our advanced medical centers in Korea. In addition to Dubai's strategic position in the region, we will also benefit from the integrated infrastructure of its medical sector and the facilities provided by the government."

said Jong-Chul Rhee, President & CEO, Samsung Medical Center

Since Samsung Medical Center opened its Comprehensive Cancer Center with 700 beds, Asia's largest in size, in 2008, it has performed some 1,900 gastric cancer and 1,600 colorectal cancer operations. This year, Samsung Cardiovascular Imaging Center in Collaboration with Mayo Clinic began its operation, introducing a new concept in providing healthcare services to patients with complex cardiovascular diseases. Also, the quality of care in liver transplant and extremely low birth weight infant patients, along with others, well exceeds those in developed countries.

"During our last visit to Seoul, we have initially signed the MOU with Samsung Medical Center to be the sole representative of Samsung Medical Center in the region and we are pleased to sign the agreement today with the support of Dubai Health Authority as a strategic partner.

"Index and Samsung Medical Center agreement" will not only provide unique and active services to UAE citizens and residents but will also be of great benefit to the MENA region at large. We at Index Holding consider our growth as a part of UAE's national economic growth and feel responsible of being pioneers in the health sector. This was not to happen without the constant support of Dubai Health Authority and other governmental sectors in the UAE" said Abdul Salam Al Madani, President of Index Holding.