US$ 125 bn Spend in MENA Healthcare Sector on Track for Mobile Health

DUBAI, UAE, November 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

According to a recent study, the Middle East & North Africa region is expected to spend $125 billion on healthcare as the population reaches 233 million by 2015. Costs in the Gulf states have risen to $923 per person where 64% of the costs are absorbed by the governments.

A growing need for accuracy in data as well as the ability to share this information whilst ensuring data confidentiality has been a key focus for technological advancements in mobile health.

Giving doctors and medical staff the ability to take notes, access clinical information and manage schedules whilst on the move means they can make decisions more quickly, with obvious benefits to patients. With the healthcare industry under extreme pressure to improve efficiency levels, ensure patient safety and drive down costs, market indicators are providing an optimal context for stimulating innovative technology.

Owing to these developments, decision makers from the regional and local healthcare sector will gather in Abu Dhabi at the Field Service Mobility Middle East 2012 conference in February next year. Amongst its various topic areas, the conference will place special emphasis on sharing best practice on a number of the greatest mobility challenges in the mobile healthcare. One of the featured presentations will be on "Pioneering automation within the medical sector to enhance medication safety" by Adeline Saliba of Corniche Hospital Abu Dhabi, who successfully deployed the technology engaging medical, nursing and pharmacy staff.

The increasingly and widely acknowledged role of Gulf states in aiding countries struck by disasters in and around the region will also come under the spotlight at this conference. Nawazish Ali Khan from Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) will represent the Government of Pakistan to share experiences on "Using mobile communication technology for rescue, relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation in a disaster affected area".

Agenda at this conference will also cover world class presentation tackling issues of ROI, smooth implementation of technology inline with current processes, preparation and planning strategies, spotlight on effective and timely deployment of technology in healthcare as well as various local and international case studies from thought-leaders who have proven success in increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of Field Service Mobility.

About IQPC:

For over thirty years, IQPC has helped the world's leading corporations solve their business challenges through the sharing of practical industry solutions and global best practice. In the process, the company has built a formidable reputation for quality and value. The world's most progressive companies have benefited from IQPC's unrivalled global reach, which has connected international expertise with regional and local leaders.

For information about Field Service Mobility Middle East Conference, taking place from 5 - 8 February 2012, please visit http://www.fieldservicemobilityme.com or alternatively please contact: Mustafa Iqbal at IQPC on Mustafa.Iqbal@iqpc.com for details. +971-4-360-2903