Meditech to boost Egypt's health sector

Organised by ACG and supported by the Egyptian Ministry of Health, holds great significance for the MENA region and the country's medical industry, especially following Egyptian Government's reform campaign in the health sector.

Meditech 2005, to be held from 22nd to the 25th of September at the Cairo International Fair Ground in Egypt, is the an international exhibition for medical technology and instruments. Its contents have diversified to additional medical sectors in response to the area's medical requirements and the exhibition is expected to boast a remarkable increase in trade visitors and exhibitors this year, thus providing an ideal platform to serve the strategic health modernization plans in Egypt and the region.

"MEDITECH is growing from strength to strength and is eager to carry its forward momentum into 2005, where we are expecting not just substantial increase in both exhibitors and visitors, but also expansion into further medical segments. MEDITECH has become a potent force for the surge of upcoming medical technology in the region, and is an ideal forum for suppliers, clients and managers to support and establish networks that will ultimately result in better medical services for the entire region," said Ahmed Ghozzi, Chairman of ITC.

The healthcare sector throughout the Middle East is experiencing significant growth following modernisation programmes and increased private participation in the health sector. The Egyptian government in particular has started a five-year programme of upgrading medical facilities. The Ministry of Health and Population in Egypt has undertaken an ambitious Health Sector Reform Programme (HSRP) to modernise the nation's health system by offering more opportunities for private companies to play major role at the health sector developing plans.

With a population of 70+ millions and privatisation programs adopted, Egypt represents a regional spot of attraction for more investments to flood the health sector. Meantime, Egypt is the largest producer and consumer of pharmaceuticals in the MENA region contributing to 30 per cent of the supply in the MENA markets. The region also absorbs most of Egypt's pharmaceuticals exports.

"Medical concerns have becoming increasingly relevant for the region's governments, with distinct progression in technology and technique and concern for strategic health sector development. Egypt is at the forefront of the change, with a sizeable and growing market for foreign medical equipment. Medical imports are expected to grow at a rate of 15 per cent and the ongoing heath sector modernisation programme is generating major demand for high-tech medical items, especially laboratory and testing equipment. MEDITECH is the perfect opportunity for foreign suppliers and manufacturers to step in to fill the gap and penetrate the regional market," added Ghozzi.

The 2004 edition of MEDITECH witnessed enthusiastic participation from various sectors in the medical industry, especially local agents, distributors and 82% of exhibitors stated that they had the intention to exhibit at next version. The 2005 event is expected to become a very special version of MEDITECH series.