Saudi Medicare 2011, the 14th international healthcare, hospital supplies and medical equipment show, opened yesterday (April 10) in Riyadh.

The show, which will until April 13 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre, was inaugurated Dr Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, Saudi Arabia Minister of Health.

Saudi Medicare 2011 covers the full breadth of Saudi Arabia's healthcare industry, including healthcare technology, management and insurance.

The 2011 version of Saudi Medicare has achieved a 30 per cent increase in exhibition space as compared to the previous version, to reach 7,500 sq m.

This growth is complemented by the increase in the number of exhibitors that reached over 140 local and international companies including national pavilions of Germany, Portugal, Pakistan, China, Korea and France.

Saudi Medicare 2011 is being supported by Diamond Sponsors Siemens and Tawuniya.

The inaugural edition of the health insurance conference – “Options & Prospects”, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Health, opened concurrently to highlight and discuss two important themes affecting healthcare insurance in Saudi Arabia: 'Basics and concepts of health insurance' and 'Global comparison of health care systems in accordance with the political, economic challenges and future prospects'.

Saudi Medicare 2011 showcases the latest diagnostic, surgery, lab, optics and ophthalmology equipments; disposable products; hospital furniture; implants; dental care products; and dentistry supplies.

Also taking place alongside the trade show are Saudi Eye Care 2011 – the 7th international eye care and optical technology exhibition; and Saudi Dentistry 2011 – the 10th international dental health exhibition.

The General Directorate of Hospital Affairs Administration of Radiology will also organize the second Radiology Technologists Conference. – TradeArabia News Service