Organiser upbeat over 4th Medical Fair Thailand

       Messe Dusseldorf Asia expects the 4th Medical Fair Thailand, a biennial event, will generate more business than the US$50 million (Bt1.7 billion) in the previous edition, due mainly to rising global demand for health care despite the world economic crisis.
       "I can't estimate the exact figure of trading value during the fair this year, but I hope the number will be higher than last time," said Gernot Ringling, managing director of Messe Dusseldorf Asia.
       Messe Dusseldorf Asia is a regional branch of Messe Dusselorf, one of the world's leading trade fair organisers.
       "I've talked with many people in the medical industry in Southeast Asia, including in medical hubs like Thailand, and know that there is demand to develop and upgrade the facilities and medical technology of hospitals. This is because the medical sector is still a sunshine industry, which has had less of an impact from the global crisis," he said.
       The 4th Medical Fair Thailand, an international exhibition covering hospitals, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, medical and rehabilitation equipment and supplies, will be held on September 16-18 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.
       Ringling said Messe Dusseldorf was confident about organising the fair in Thailand because it believes in the country's potential as a regional medical hub. "Thailand's medical industry has grown very fast in the last 10 years not only in the region, but also in the world market.
       Thailand in 2004 generated revenue of $2 billion from foreign patients. I expect the value to increase to $4.4 billion by 2012," he said.
       He added that it was very interesting that Singapore - Thailand's competitor in becoming the main medical regional hub - had started to promote itself as a world medical destination before the Kingdom, but that Thailand had gained more recognition as a hub and attracted more foreign patients.

       Singapore can attract patients from neighbouring countries such as Indonesia, while Thailand is the medical destination for Middle Eastern countries.
       Messe Dusseldorf Asia has a regional office in Singapore and also organises medical fairs in the country.
       "I believe that the advantages of Thailand's medical industry are pricing, which is more reasonable, and good service in medical treatment," said Ringling.
       Some 250 exhibitors will be participating in the 4th Medical Fair Thailand, slightly higher than in 2007. However, the number of visitors is expected to be 5,000 per day, a sharp rise from 4,000 daily two years ago.
       Among the many highlights of the latest medical technology on show will be a wireless wheelchair controller using Bluetooth, as well as advanced respiratory equipment.