Singapore's world-class medical services heralded at healthcare conference

Delegates and exhibitors have also been hearing first-hand about the world-class health care services that Singapore has to offer at IMD Dubai - the International Medical Care and Diagnostic Conference and Exhibition - being held this week at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.

The SingaporeMedicine initiative is designed to build awareness and understanding of Singapore's strong reputation as a medical hub in the Middle East, and promote its pioneering work in a several key areas, including transplant surgery, orthopedic and oncology treatments and a whole range of medical care.

More than 200,000 international patients come to Singapore each year for a range of medical treatments.

"This trip to Dubai and our exhibition at IMD Dubai have given SingaporeMedicine a unique opportunity to gain a deeper insight into the Middle East's local healthcare system and create further links with the medical community," said Dr Jason Yap - Director, Healthcare Services, Singapore Tourism Board.

Speaking for SingaporeMedicine at a number of events, including sessions at IMD Dubai, is Nellie Yeo, who holds the positions of both the Chief Quality Officer of National Healthcare Group (NHG) and Director of Quality Improvement Unit in Singapore's main university hospital (NUH).

Ms. Yeo is speaking about ensuring better integration and safer care through the implementation of Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation standards for hospitals in the national healthcare group.

In addition, Robin Wong, a leading architect, is to deliver lectures on the Design of Public Hospitals, a critical subject for a part of the world where over 100 hospitals are currently under construction in 2005.

"Singapore is able to offer support and services across the value chain for healthcare organizations in the Middle East, and our focused approach in this initiative enables us to build partnerships quickly and effectively in this fast-growing region," said Tan Li Lin, Director, Business Services, International Enterprise Singapore.

A number of Singapore's leading hospital and medical groups are exhibiting on the stand at IMD Dubai, including SingHealth, National Healthcare Group, Health Management International Ltd. and CPG Corporation.

Each of these groups is promoting a range of services which could be of significant benefit for institutions in the Middle East. Health Management International Ltd owns and operates hospitals throughout Asia, and is offering research-based consultancy services for local organizations. CPG Corporation provides a broad range of building and infrastructure development services, and is hoping to provide support for local companies engaged in the hospital construction boom currently being witnessed across the region.

The International Medical Care and Diagnostic Conference and Exhibition - IMD DUBAI enables professionals, dealers, decision-makers and government and private sectors to get together and exchange valuable knowledge. The conference hosts 110 speakers from around the globe, who will present the latest technologies and developments in the field of medicine.

Singapore's high-quality healthcare, medical facilities as well as cost-effective treatment, are the main draws for patients from the United Arab Emirates, according to a study of recent visitors to the South-East Asian nation. The study also shows an increasing number of Gulf residents are traveling to Singapore for medical treatment.