New generation ambulance with autonomous capacity makes Middle East exhibition debut at Arab Health 2006

A prototype of the mammoth custom medical attack vehicle (MAV), regarded as the most complete and versatile modular ambulance in the world, supplied by Dubai-based medical services agency Bassam International, is currently parked outside the main entrance of the ongoing Arab Health congress, piquing the curiosity of industry visitors.

The MAV, from Wheeled Coach, the world's largest and foremost manufacturer of ambulances and emergency vehicles, can be used in a variety of emergency medicine avenues including fire departments, hospital transport, municipal and private EMS services. Only two MAVs are currently in use in the Arab world, both in the service of the Saudi Arabian ruling family.

The new generation vehicle offers double the seating and operational capacity of previous ambulances, accommodating a full team of doctors, combined with an independent power generator capable of maintaining autonomous service for up to three hours. The fully customizable ambulance also allows for a variety of medical equipment to be installed and utilized, making this a crucial addition in remote and urban settings, satellite venues and in cases of mass emergencies.

"The MAV is a true operating room on the move, with the capability to offer much needed surgical pre-treatment over and above the standard safety units,"

said Bassam Hamadeh, managing director of Bassam International, exclusive distributors for Wheeled Coach in the Middle East and part of the Riyadh-based Bassam Trading agency. Interest in the MAV has already come from police and emergency services and hospitals around the UAE and the Gulf, he added, with contracts expected to cross $10 million before the end of Arab Health.

Deals involving the smaller CitiMedic Plus ambulance, also from Bassam International, crossed $3 million within 36 hours of the opening of Arab Health. With more than 35 years in the healthcare industry, BI has established itself as one of the leading providers of medical equipment, supplies, ambulances, security systems and hospital turnkey project management services in the region. The company is one of more than 2,000 exhibitors at the 31st Arab Health Exhibition and Congress.

The Arab Health exhibition, widely acknowledged as one of the most important healthcare events in the world today, will run until January 25, 2006. With the confirmed participation of more than 2,000 exhibitors from over 50 countries, 30 country pavilions and visitor turnout of over 28,000 people, Arab Health 2006 reflects the importance of Dubai as the gateway to the region's burgeoning healthcare markets.