Thailand's largest medical and health care

Thousands of trade visitors from around the world expected to make their way to MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND 2011, with many of the industry's leading companies participating in what will be Thailand's most significant medical and health care exhibition.

14 September 2011, Bangkok - The 5th edition of MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND opens today at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), with thousands of influential medical and health care professionals from Thailand and the region, buyers and industry leaders joining 329 exhibitors from 25 countries. National groups and pavilions from Austria, Belgium, China, Germany, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan, alongside visiting regional delegations, will further complement the exhibition showing the truly global reach and relevance of MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND 2011. The three day event runs from today to 16 September, from 10.00a.m to 6.00p.m.

This is the first time there will be Japan Pavilion, organized by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) and will feature nine exhibitors showcasing Japanese technology at its best.

"With a sold-out line-up of exhibitors of which about 90 percent are from overseas and a show floor that has expanded by 30%, this is one of the most impressive exhibitions of its kind in Thailand. The presence of such a strong list of exhibitors underscores the confidence of both the international and regional communities in Thailand and Southeast Asia's health care market," says exhibition organizer, Gernot Ringling - Managing Director, Messe Düsseldorf Asia.

There will also be a series of seminars presented by exhibitors on topics that include robotics for healthcare automation, dynamic cell stimulation, photodynamic therapy, a full conference programme 'Rehabilitation for All' and the 'French Medical Day' featuring the best innovations from leading French companies put together by the French Trade Commission - UBIFRANCE of the French Embassy in Thailand.

On show at the exhibition will be a range of hospital, diagnostic, pharmaceutical, medical and rehabilitation equipment and supplies that stretches from medical transportation, hospital infection control products, mobility aids and aids for daily living, equipment facilitating home and in-patient care, wireless health communication technology, prosthetic products to autonomous hospital delivery robots.

The increasing number of quality exhibitors' year on year at MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND demonstrates that the exhibition provides not only a vital platform for the medical and health care sectors in Thailand and the region but also its ability to attract a targeted and high-quality audience. "I am happy to share that pre-registration numbers have increased by 50% compared to 2009, and look forward to a very strong visitor turnout," said Ringling.

"Trade visitors and buyers come to MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND not only to discover the latest trends but also to look for innovative, new products, cost -effective solutions and to share industry best practices. This is why the exhibition provides a vital platform to the life-blood of the medical and health care industry in Thailand and Southeast Asia."

3-day Rehabilitation For All conference

The full conference programme, under the overall theme of 'Rehabilitation for All', will begin with opening remarks from Dr Sukajan Pongrapai, President, Thai Rehabilitation Medicine Association, The Royal College of Physiatrists. The conference predominantly conducted in Thai, focuses on the multi-disciplinary approach of neuro-rehab and sports rehab and is open to physicians, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists and other allied health care professionals.

Leading experts in their fields will present and discuss key issues and topics in the areas of music therapy for the physically disabled, anti-ageing medicine, role of exercise and longevity, swallowing disorders and includes a lecture and demonstration (in English) on elastic therapeutic sports tape.

The conference is jointly organised by The Royal College of Physiatrists, Thai Rehabilitation Medicine Association, The Society of Neurorehabilitation and Messe Düsseldorf Asia.

Wireless health roadshow kicks off in Bangkok

Also showcasing at MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND 2011 for the first time in Southeast Asia, will be a booth focusing on wireless health technology offering the latest cutting-edge advances in remote diagnostics, telemedicine, care and wellness. Presented by Messe Düsseldorf North America as part of a Wireless Health Roadshow, the initiative is supported by CTIA - The Wireless Association. Heralding a new era of consumer-driven healthcare and an exciting phase of innovation in medicine, the theme will feature strongly with a Wireless Health Pavilion at this year's edition of MEDICA in November at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Official opening ceremony

The opening ceremony of MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND takes place this morning at QSNCC, and will be opened by Nikom Wairatpanij, First Vice president, The Senate, Kingdom of Thailand. Also speaking at the opening ceremony are Khun Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, Director Domestic MICE - Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Dr Pongpat Patanavanich, Secretary General, The Private Hospital Association, Dr Preecha Bhandtivej, President, Thai Medical Device Technology Industry Association, Dr Sukajan Pongrapai, President, Thai Rehabilitation Medicine Association, The Royal College of Physiatrists of Thailand.