RIYADH: The Saudi government budget allocation of SR68.7 billion for healthcare services and social development for the year 2011 will help generate partnership deals with vendors, suppliers and service providers. This will further help to develop a robust support system to attain healthcare goals in Saudi Arabia, said Mohammed Al-Hussaini, Deputy General Manager, Riyadh Exhibitions Company (REC). “The Saudi budget for 2011 affirms the country's commitment to maintaining its status as one of the region's top health-oriented economies. In addition to the greater funding, the Kingdom will need to collaborate with the best vendors, suppliers and service providers to secure a robust healthcare framework and attain its healthcare goals,” Al-Hussaini said. The Saudi government has allocated SR68.7 billion for healthcare services and social development for 2011, representing an increase of 12 percent compared with last year's allocation. The budget will cover the construction and equipping of primary healthcare centers, the building of 12 new hospitals, and infrastructural development of four existing hospitals. Al-Hussaini said that there are currently 120 new hospitals being constructed across the Kingdom that can accommodate 26,700 beds which provides numerous business opportunities for the Saudi healthcare and medical sectors. Al-Hussaini said that REC under the patronage of the Ministry of Health will organize Saudi Medicare 2011, the 14th International Healthcare, Hospital Supplies and Medical Equipment Show from April 10 to 13 at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. He said the Saudi funding for the health sector will open up more prospects this year, a trend that Saudi Medicare 2011 will highlight by offering a comprehensive networking platform for healthcare investors, industry players, importers and practitioners. “Saudi Medicare 2011 will serve as a venue for stakeholders to interact with regional and international organizations and will help identify the best tools and techniques to further grow Saudi Arabia's healthcare and medical sectors,” the official told Saudi Gazette. The latest edition of Saudi Medicare will showcase the most recent diagnostic, surgical, lab, optics and ophthalmology equipment; disposable products; hospital furniture; implants; dental care products and dentistry supplies. Concurrently running with Saudi Medicare 2011 will be Saudi Eye Care 2011, the 7th International Eye Care and Optical Technology Exhibition and Saudi Dentistry 2011, the 10th International Dental Health Exhibition, and Saudi Lab 2011, the International Laboratory and Analytics Exhibition. The General Directorate of Hospital Affairs Administration of Radiology will also organize the 2nd Radiology Technologists Conference during the same period. About 138 exhibitors and 6,735 visitors participated in Saudi Medicare 2010 which occupied 8,000 sqm. of exhibition space. REC is confident that this year will sustain the momentum of the 2010 edition and witness record numbers.
