Specialist Conference and Exhibition announced to compliment government initiatives

As the healthcare industry in the Middle East continues to develop and mature, initiatives are in process to improve the infrastructure to better service this segment. It is estimated that the regional rehabilitation market is valued in excess of US$7 billion per year.

In March 2006, under directives from General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the Zayed Foundation for Humanitarian and Charitable Works opened the Centre for Rehabilitation and Care for People with Special Needs. In addition, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi is in the final planning stages for a National Rehabilitation Centre. These examples demonstrate the firm commitment of the UAE government to invest in and improve this important component of modern healthcare delivery.

In order to cater to the increasing demands of the rehabilitation market, IIR Middle East (Institute for International Research), today announced the addition of a dedicated event, Middle East Rehab, an exhibition and an AACME accredited conference, to it's portfolio at Arab Health 2007. Middle East Rehab will bring together the regions premier manufacturers, dealers, distributors and service providers, in one unique forum.

The conference will cover a broad range of rehabilitation topics such as physical and occupational therapy, surgical rehabilitation procedures, speech therapy and therapeutic services.

Rehabilitation plays an essential role in a variety of conditions such as, multiple sclerosis and stroke that require intensive occupational and physical therapy. In addition, a period of rehabilitation is often considered a critical component of the postoperative care plan. This is particularly relevant for those recovering from road traffic accidents, which continue to rise across the GCC.

Dr. Suad Trebinjac, Consultant and Head of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Rashid Hospital, Dubai, UAE, adds, "Studies have shown that road traffic accident rates are considerably higher in the UAE and other Gulf countries than countries with comparable vehicle ownership levels. Rehabilitation plays an essential role in contributing to the patient making as full a recovery as possible. The addition of Middle East Rehab to Arab Health 2007 will offer the opportunity to improve management across the region."

Rehabilitation is often a long and painful progress spanning many months or sometimes years to achieve complete recovery. Patients may find themselves in wheelchairs during the recovery process and facing new challenges taken for granted by others. However, the UAE, and Dubai in particular are making huge progress to improve the lives of those with special needs. One example is the decision by the Dubai Road and Transport Authority to make the Dubai Urban Rail Transit, or Metro, more accessible to those with special needs.

Arab Health 2007 will take place from January 29th to 1st February 2007 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.