DUBAI: The Arab Health exhibition 2024, currently underway at the Dubai World Trade Centre, opened its Smart Hospital and Interoperability Zone with a key discussion on environmental sustainability in Middle Eastern healthcare.
Last year, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi outlined ambitious goals to cut carbon emissions by 20% by 2030 and achieve Net Zero by 2050. These targets are part of a broader plan to create a roadmap for sustainable healthcare in the region.
A highlight of the event was a panel discussion featuring Jacqui Rock, Chief Commercial Officer of NHS England, who emphasized the importance of integrating cutting-edge MedTech with sustainability. She stressed the NHS’s commitment to a ‘greener’ agenda. Con McGarry, Senior Consultant at Arcadia Health, discussed the significance of data in assessing the impact of sustainability efforts, advocating for a centralized performance management system.
Richard Cantlay, Global Healthcare Leader at Mott MacDonald, noted the cyclical relationship between health systems, climate change, and increasing healthcare demand, underlining the need for sustainability in healthcare.
In line with these discussions, Informa Markets, the organizers of Arab Health, have implemented several sustainable practices for the event. These include using renewable electricity, promoting public transportation, digital solutions like paperless registration, and encouraging reusable stand structures through the Better Stands programme.
Arab Health 2024, which runs until Thursday 1st February, showcases groundbreaking technologies in its Smart Hospital and Interoperability Zone. In partnership with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, the event features demonstrations in various medical fields, including labour and delivery and intensive care.
Innovative exhibitors include e4life, a joint venture between the Italian ELT Group and Australian Lendlease, displaying a device that sanitises areas against respiratory viruses with over 90% efficacy. CareCloud is also presenting a suite that enhances patient engagement and operational efficiency in therapy workflows.
The event expects over 110,000 healthcare professionals and more than 3,450 exhibitors from 180 countries. It has received support from various government entities, such as the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Government of Dubai, Dubai Health Authority, Department of Health, and Dubai Healthcare City Authority.
WE RECOMMEND | Quitting alcohol improves your sleep; Study