During a press conference and a gala dinner held on November 15 at Cristal Grand Ishtar Hotel in Baghdad, International Fairs & Promotions – Iraq (IFP Iraq) announced the launch of the of the first edition of an international healthcare exhibition in Baghdad, "Medicare Iraq – Baghdad 2014", which will be held on Baghdad International Fairground, between 1 and 3 December supported by the Iraqi Ministry of Health and the State Company for Marketing Drugs & Medical Appliances (KIMADIA).
The conference was attended by the representatives of the Iraqi Ministry of Health, Dr. Abdul Latif Al Saadoun, Deputy Director General of KIMADIA, Mr. Rahim Ahmed, Director General of Health Directorate in al-Karkh, Dr. Hassan Baqer, and the Director General of Baghdad International Fairground Jassem Mohammed al-Ameri.
On behalf of Iraqi Ministry of Health, the Ministry’s representative in Baghdad, Dr. Abdul Latif Saadoun delivered a speech welcoming the participants, and underlying that "the development of the health sector is among the priorities of the Iraqi government intended to serve the interest of patient's and citizens in general," adding that though this task mainly rests on the shoulders of the ministry, however, the private sector has an important role to play in supporting the ministry's efforts. Dr. Saadoun also stressed the ministry’s full support for Medicare Iraq – Baghdad 2014.
In his speech, Mr. Ahmed Rahim, Deputy Director General of KIMADIA talked about the role that both the company and exhibitions can play in promoting the healthcare sector in Iraq.
Dr. Hassan Baqer, the Director General of Public Health Directorate in Al-Karkh described the event as "an opportunity that connects local and international companies with Iraqi decision makers," adding that it also contributes to strengthening Baghdad’s position as a center for business interaction and international trade.”
The Director General of Baghdad International Fairground Jassem Mohammed al-Ameri stressed the importance of the exhibition industry, and underlined the fact that despite difficulties and challenges, this exhibition has been organized providing the perfect platform for exhibitors and visitors to meet and interact and explore the healthcare needs of the Iraqi people and the existing medical potentials in the country.
In his speech, Hussam Ghaleini, General Manager of the IFP Iraq, said that after five successful editions of the Medicare series in Erbil, the company has decided to expand its horizons and move to Baghdad. Ghaleini pointed out that this exhibition creates a unique opportunity to discover the latest medical products, recent trends, technologies and services through more than 50 leading international and local companies participating in the show.
Ghaleini added that IFP has planned one to one business matchmaking sessions for exhibitors, in addition to public forums. Ghaleini pointed out that these forums will address the current trends and latest innovations in medical tourism, dental and vision healthcare, in addition to discussing future employment opportunities and other topics of great importance in the healthcare sector.
Parallel to the Iraqi Ministry of Health’s efforts in developing health services in the capital, Medicare Baghdad will feature a wide range of equipment and healthcare products, services and various medical solutions for hospitals, clinics and specialized centers, laboratories, and other medical facilities. Visitors engaged in the healthcare industry will have the chance to explore many of the modern medical equipment, services and technologies featured at the exhibition for the first time in Iraq, in addition to variety of related services as health insurance programs, education and rehabilitation programs, and many more.
Concluding the press conference, organizers and speakers at the event jointly called for all hospital administrators, doctors, private clinics and healthcare center owners, public sector officials, health associations, distributors, service providers, traders, nursing and medical training institutes, and all parties interested in the healthcare industry to attend this exhibition and the conference and grasp the exceptional opportunities offered during these events.
The exhibition will be open from 10am to 6pm daily between 1 and 3 December 2014.
For further information about the exhibition, please visit www.iraqmedicare.com
ifpinfo
19 November