Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance and supported by Hamdan Medical Award, the 1st Regional Health Regulation conference and the medical tourism exhibition were organized by Dubai Health Authority and INDEX Conferences & Exhibitions at Conrad Hotel, Dubai, with the participation of more than 600 professionals from the field of health regulation and medical tourism.

 

In his speech during the opening ceremony, H.E. Eng. Essa Al Maidoor, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority and the vice chairman of the board of trustees of Hamdan Medical Award, said: "Health regulation is fundamental to achieve quality health services and protect patient safety; a strong health regulatory system leads to sustained growth of the health sector which in itself is a catalyst for medical tourism. This conference provides an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the latest advances as well as share their experience in the field of health regulation and medical tourism".

 

During his speech, H.E. Erdem Ozan, Consul General of the Republic of Turkey in Dubai, discussed the growth of medical tourism in Turkey. He highlighted the importance of the international accreditations for healthcare facilities which ensure facilities adhere to high standards of care which is vital for the growth of the health sector.

 

Also, H.E. Warawudh Chuwiruch, Ambassador of Thailand to the UAE highlighted the importance of the international accreditations and highly skilled talent-pool for the success of medical tourism.