Hong Kong :  More than 210 exhibitors, a new participation record, are taking part in the fourth edition of the HKTDC Hong Kong International Medical Devices and Supplies Fair. That’s 26 per cent higher than last year’s exhibitor total. The show continues through 16 May at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

This year, the three-day fair welcomes first-time exhibitors from Italy, Macau, Singapore and Thailand. It’s also hosting four group pavilions. They represent the Hong Kong Medical and Healthcare Device Industries Association (HKMHDIA), Canada, Shenzhen and new-fair participant Shanghai.

International Buyers

Major buyers on hand include Australia’s Ella Rouge Beaut Medi-spa and St John Ambulance, Canada’s Superior Medical, Dubai’s Life Healthcare Group, Japan’s Agilent Technologies Japan and Atago Corporation, Singapore’s NTUC Unity Healthcare Co-operative, Thailand’s Bangkok Medisupply and Bangkok Pathology Laboratory, and Vietnam’s Hanoi Medical JSC. In all, the fair welcomes 35 buying missions from 24 countries and regions, counting some 1,100 buyers from 774 companies.

Zoning In

Special zones at the fair include “Hospital Equipment,” showcasing specialist electro-medical equipment and medical technology for hospitals; “Household Medical Products,” featuring automatic blood-pressure monitors, IR temperature scanners and related products for the home; “Rehabilitation and Elderly Care,” presenting patient monitoring systems, orthopaedic equipment, wheelchairs and other products specialising in this expanding market; and the “Tech Exchange”, displaying prototypes of medical devices and equipment, and connecting universities, research institutions and product developers. New this year is the “Medical Cosmetology zone.” Other product zones at the fair include Building Technology and Hospital Furniture, Laboratory Equipment, Medical Supplies and Disposables, and Manufacturing & Design Solutions.

High-Tech Healthcare

Information exchange on a global scale is central to the fair’s growing popularity. This year, seminars examine innovative technology for the healthcare industry, regulatory updates for medical devices and procurement trends for medical devices.

In addition, the fair is presenting sessions on cardiovascular intervention advances, organised by the Hong Kong Doctors Union, and technology applications for elderly exercise and stroke rehabilitation training, organised by the Hong Kong Health Care Federation.

Also in the spotlight are three Exhibitor Forums, one on each day of the fair, as well as a Buyer Forum on business opportunities in Southeast Asia. The Buyer Forum features speakers from Japan, Singapore and Thailand and takes place this afternoon.

Most Appealing Products Voting

More than 20 highlight products are on display at the fairground, offering visitors the opportunity to vote for the fair’s “Most Appealing Products.” The winning products will be announced at tomorrow afternoon’s networking reception.

Hospital Authority Convention

This year’s Hospital Authority Convention takes place over the fair’s last two days. High-profile speakers from around the world will focus on the theme of “Consolidating Healthcare.”

The Hong Kong International Medical Devices and Supplies Fair is organised by the HKTDC and the HKMHDIA.