Stimulus, global rebound to revive medical trade

       Medical care and equipment businesses are betting on global recovery and the government stimulus package to advance their industries' outlook.
       Thirty percent of the government's Strong Thailand investment programme is devoted to medical care upgrading,said Paijit Warachit, deputy permanent secretary for Public Health Ministry.
       The ministry over three years will receive 86 billion baht -30% for replacing equipment and the rest for constructing hospitals and provincial health-care centres as well as training health personnel.
       "This allocation will improve the life of the public and indirectly improve the economic performance of related industries," said Dr Paijit.
       The ministry will adjust its regulations to give private hospitals flexibility in supporting Thailand as a hub for medical tourism, he added.
       The industry expects more exhibitors and visitors at the upcoming Fourth International Exhibition on Hospital, Diagnostic, Pharmaceutical, Medical and Rehabilitation Equipment and Supplies to be held at Queen Sirikit Convention Center from Sept 16-18.
       "Compared with its third exhibition held two years ago, the number of local and international exhibitors signed to join the event has increased 5% to 250 participants. We hope the number of visitors will increase by 25% to about 5,000," said Gernot Ringling, managing director of Messe Dusseldorf Asia Pte Ltd, the event organiser.
       Some industry insiders are barely affected by the global slump, he said. Only small operators have been hit - and they expect strong improvement in the near future from global recovery and the government's planned revamp of national health care.
       The medical industry is still a sunshine industry and the increase in exhibitors signing up to the event shows demand is still high, he said.
       The government projects medical tourism revenue nearly tripling from $1.3 billion in 2005 to $4.4 billion by 2012, said Mr Ringling.
       The improving outlook is shored up by treatment and hospitality for foreign patients continuing to meet international standards.
       The trading value of about $50 million generated by the 2007 exhibition is also expected to increase this year. But forecasting is difficult because the figure includes post-event sales, he said.