MENA MEDITECH 2005 to be held in Egypt from September 22-25

The exhibition, which witnessed a successful show 2004, holds great significance for the MENA region and the country's medical industry, especially following Egyptian Government's reform campaign in the health sector.

MENA MEDITECH 2005, organized by ACG, the leading trade fairs organizers in the region will open the gates for crossroads of the world's emerging markets to meet and witness the most advanced medical technologies & laboratory equipment. The healthcare sector throughout the Middle East is experiencing significant growth following modernization programmes and increased private participation in the health sector. The Egyptian government has undertaken a five-year programme of upgrading of medical facilities from 2003-2007. The medical equipment market of Egypt alone is growing by 48 per cent, taking into consideration that Egypt is the largest MENA country in population.

"Egyptian government has launched major reforms in the health sector aimed at expanding health coverage with a basic package of primary health care and public health services to the poor population and improve access and efficiency of primary health care services through rationalization of health infrastructure. As part of the reform, Egyptian Government has embarked on several key activities such as construction and preparation of new hospitals, specialist clinics and rural and urban health units," said Ahmed Ghozzi, Chairman, ACG & ITE.

"Moreover, MENA presents a sizeable and growing market for foreign medical equipment. With limited production of medical products, the region depends heavily on imports to meet domestic needs. With the ongoing modernization programmes in the health sector, there is bound to be a major demand for high-tech medical items, especially laboratory and testing equipment. Thus the exhibition creates tremendous opportunity for foreign suppliers and manufacturers of such equipment to penetrate the regional market and increase their sales," added Ghozzi.

The 2004 edition of MEDITECH witnessed enthusiastic participation from various sectors in the medical industry, especially local agents, distributors and physicians who consisted of 66 per cent of the participants. While 93 percent of the visitors expressed their satisfaction at the way the exhibition was held, 92 per cent of the visitors said that they would visit the exhibition the following year too.

Leading manufacturers from various countries with a broad range of medical equipment ranging from Ambulances, cardiac equipment to surgical equipment and walking aids for the handicapped are expected to participate in MENA MEDITECH 2005. A broad range of participants from physicians to pharmacists, dentists, surgeons, radiologists, technologists, academic researchers and medical students are expected to participate in the fair.