Inaugurating Saudi Medicare 2010 — the 13th International Health Care, Hospital Supplies and Medical Equipment Show at the Riyadh Exhibition Center on Monday, the minister said that the new package which is to be offered soon is awaiting final approval from the higher authorities.

Spelling out the areas of services in the package, Al-Rabeeah said that they would include subjects such as patients’ relations, home medical care, family health programs and regular clinical checkups.

“This is going to be a national project which would benefit every citizen from all regions in the Kingdom,” he said. Expatriates are  already covered by the mandatory insurance imposed on their employers by the government.

The minister also stressed that such exhibitions help people understand the medical facilities and services provided by various establishments in the private and public sectors. “Visitors will know the latest advances made by the Kingdom in providing quality health care services to its people,” he said.

The exhibition also features the 1st Radiology Technologists Conference, which, along with the 4th Medical Devices Scientific Forum, is being held for health officials from both government and private sector institutions.

Around 23 medical experts from across the globe are to present new applications and scientific research papers at the radiology technologists conference. Meanwhile, the medical devices forum, which is accredited by the Saudi Council for Health Specialties, will focus on topics related to the technology and management of medical devices and the challenges faced by health professionals. The forum’s organizer, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, has prepared a diverse range of topics considered crucial in medical services.

These include health care informatics, health education and consumer awareness, and the challenges faced by regulatory authorities. A wide group of local and international exhibitors are displaying their latest healthcare products, services and technologies in 7,500 square meters of exhibition space, representing a 30 percent increase on last year’s area.

The show is being held for the Kingdom’s thriving pharmaceutical and medical device markets, which are expected to grow at compound annual growth rates of 12 and seven percent respectively until 2012.

The surge will be fueled by aggressive government spending, as SR61.2 billion in federal funding has already been allocated for healthcare expenditure, as well as elevated national pharmaceutical and healthcare spending, which is projected to reach SR13.09 billion by 2013.

“The show is an opportunity for local, regional and international individuals and groups to display their products and services,” said Mohamed Al-Hussaini, deputy general manager of Riyadh Exhibitions Company.

Other events running concurrently with Saudi Medicare 2010 include Saudi Eye Care 2010 -- The 6th International Eye Care and Optical Technology Exhibition, and Saudi Dentistry 2010 -- The 9th International Dental Health Exhibition. The show is being held under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and has been organized by Riyadh Exhibitions Company.