GCC healthcare expenditure forecast to reach US$79 billion by 2015 29.04.2013: First International Cardiology Symposium and Diabetes Forum under the patronage of

First International Cardiology Symposium and Diabetes Forum under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum




photo caption:  Cinfa, the Spanish pharmaceutical giant will launch a new product line comprising reductase inhibitors and anti-hypertensive agents at the International Cardiology Symposium and Diabetes Forum- A Global Agenda (ICS-13).




GCC countries are experiencing a sharp increase in healthcare needs driven by a growing population, prevalence of lifestyle diseases and increasing per capita healthcare spending, with overall healthcare expenditure forecast to reach US$79 billion by 2015.


In a recent report published by the Kuwait Financial Centre Markaz, 64 per cent of this expenditure will go towards public healthcare, with regional governments focusing on healthcare development as the key to sustainable economic growth and the population’s future prosperity.


The growing healthcare sector provides the perfect backdrop for the launch of the Gulf region’s first International Cardiology Symposium and Diabetes Forum - A Global Agenda (ICS-13) taking place from 16-18 May at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.


Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance and Industry, the inaugural forum will host some of the leading regional and international pharmaceutical and medical device companies showcasing their latest products and solutions to an audience of regional decision makers.


Cinfa, the Spanish pharmaceutical giant will use the symposium as a launch pad to enter the UAE market and wider Middle East with a new product line comprising reductase inhibitors used to lower cholesterol levels, and anti-hypertensive agents for treating high blood pressure.


Dr Ahmed Shaban, GCC Country Manager at Cinfa, said: “The International Cardiology Symposium and Diabetes Forum is a great opportunity for us to meet renowned cardiologists and healthcare professionals as well as gain knowledge about diseases and recent treatment lines through direct communication with physicians from the GCC and the Middle East.”


The UAE-based Al Hayat Pharmaceuticals will have a strong presence at the symposium with the launch of its new range of cardiology treatment machines including electro cardiograph machines and automated external defibrillators. 


Al Mazroui Medical and Chemical Supplies will showcase Asahi products used for interventional cardiology guide wires and Esaote – their latest echo portable unit equipped with cardiac applications along with Huntleigh Dopplex Ability- their automatic ankle brachial index system.


A recent report published by McKinsey & Company suggests that over the next 20 years treatment demand will rise by 240 per cent in the GCC, with cardiovascular diseases experiencing a steep increase of 419 per cent as will diabetes-related ailments by 323 per cent.


In response, TRUMPF Medical Systems, a developer for innovative solutions for surgical and intensive care environments, will launch its new Carbon FloatLine Operating Table Top. It is 1800mm long, entirely 360 degree radiolucent and thereby supports perfectly the needs of positioning patients for cardiovascular applications.


Other exhibitors participating in the symposium include AstraZeneca, GE Healthcare, Novo Nordisk, Nihon Kohden Middle East, Terumo Corporation, Medstreaming, Personal MedSystems, and Sanofi along with sponsors Pfizer, Servier, Mantecorp Farmasa and Biolab.


Held under the auspices of the Emirates Cardiac Society, Emirates Diabetes Society, Brazilian Society of Cardiology, Brazilian Society of Diabetes, European Society of Cardiology and International Atherosclerosis Society, the International Cardiology Symposium and Diabetes Forum- A Global Agenda (ICS-13) is supported by the Dubai Convention and Events Bureau and endorsed by the Government of Dubai and Dubai Health Authority as well as the Saudi Heart Association.


Further information about the International Cardiology Symposium and Diabetes Forum- A Global Agenda (ICS-13) is available at www.ics2013.com.



Sharrah Kapadia, Total Communications Dubai - also photo