New Delhi, May 17, 2019 An ageing global population
and a general increase in health awareness are boosting demand for
medical and healthcare equipment. At a press conference today, the Hong
Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) previewed the highlights of the
10th HKTDC Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair (“Medical
Fair”) and showcased some of the products that are driving the
development of this fast-growing sector.
“Hong Kong’s exports of medical and healthcare equipment exceeded HK$13
billion in 2018, an increase of 4.6% compared to the previous year,”
said Sophia Chong, HKTDC Assistant Executive Director. “With global
health spending continuing to climb, it is expected that medical and
healthcare spending as a proportion of overall household expenditure
will rise in tandem. This signifies enormous growth potential for the
medical devices and supplies industry. Catering to this trend, the
Medical Fair offers an important business and sourcing platform for
industry players to showcase the latest medical equipment, technologies
and related services.”
The Medical Fair, organised by the HKTDC and co-organised by the Hong
Kong Medical and Healthcare Device Industries Association (HKMHDIA),
runs from 14 to 16 May at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
(HKCEC). This year’s fair will gather 285 exhibitors from eight
countries and regions and feature new exhibitors from the United Kingdom
and Singapore. The Japanese pavilion will also make its debut, while the
HKMHDIA pavilion will be further expanded to feature 55 companies.
New zone highlights biotechnology potential
Biotechnology is one of the four areas of strength identified by the
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in the
2018-19 Budget to bolster innovation and technology in Hong Kong.
Responding to this development, the Medical Fair’s new Biotechnology
zone will showcase the latest biotech advancements relating to areas
such as vaccine research, allergy tests and genetically engineered
drugs.
Exhibits highlighted at today’s press conference included an array-based
LED-induced fluorescence immunoassay platform developed by a local
biotechnology company. The device requires just one drop of blood or
saliva to perform an end-to-end in vitro diagnosis in just 15 minutes.
It can detect problems such as infectious diseases and heart disease and
can drastically reduce the turnaround time compared to conventional
tests where samples need to be taken to a laboratory.
In addition, on the first day of the fair (14 May), a seminar entitled
“Biomedical Technologies that are Changing Healthcare” will feature
speakers from several biotechnology companies from the Hong Kong Science
Park who will share their latest developments and discuss how
biotechnology companies can commercialise their innovations.
New portable devices enable quicker assessment
One major trend in medical technology is to replace bulky medical
equipment with advanced portable devices that enable quick testing or
preliminary self-assessment, overcoming any geographical limitations.
Several user-friendly technologies and devices were displayed at the
press conference, including a portable radiation-free scoliosis
assessment system, a portable ultrasound machine and an ultra-wide field
smartphone ophthalmoscope that can detect retinal problems using a
smartphone attachment.
Award-winning local innovation adopted by public hospitals
Also spotlighted at the press conference was Hong Kong’s first medical
implant company that uses customised metal 3D-printing technology to
create patient-specific implants. The company showcased its durable,
bio-compatible and bio-conductive 3D-printed metal talus implants that
are customised according to the patient’s bone density and size. The
company won a merit prize at the Hong Kong ICT Awards 2018 for this
technology and is now an official supplier of metal taluses for the
Hospital Authority in Hong Kong.
Startup zone showcases innovative solutions
Continuing the HKTDC’s commitment to supporting start-ups, the Startup
zone at this year’s fair will be expanded to showcase 21 new companies
and their innovative solutions. Products on display will include a Wi-Fi
Clock that automatically synchronises with the atomic clock of the Hong
Kong Observatory and is already being used by the Hospital Authority at
its hospitals. Also on display will be a portable blood sugar monitor
that does not require finger pricks, and a palm-sized, portable smart
assistant for CPR. The new Korea start-up pavilion, meanwhile, will
feature some of that country’s latest medical technologies.
Other highlighted zones include the World of Health & Wellness, which
will showcase an array of fitness products, functional food and
beverages, and health supplements; the Rehabilitation and Elderly Care
zone that will display products and services for elderly care and
rehabilitation; and the Hospital Equipment zone where specialist
technology such as ultrasound and other imaging equipment, along with a
range of surgical and first-aid instruments, will be presented.
Keeping a finger on the pulse of the medical market
A series of seminars will be held during the fair, including one
covering the “Outlook of the Medical and Healthcare Industry and Latest
Medtech Innovations” on the first day (14 May). A representative from
China Medical Devices Magazine will examine the latest developments in
the mainland’s medical industry, while representatives from Hong Kong
Polytechnic University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong will
share their research findings. On the following day (15 May), a seminar
titled “Australia Medtech Knowledge Hub – Progression of Sensing
Technique for Medical Diagnosis” will feature academics and medical
professionals from Australia as speakers.
Hospital Authority Convention
Another signature event of the Asia-Pacific medical industry, the
Hospital Authority Convention 2019, will be held concurrently at the
HKCEC during the first two days (14 and 15 May) of the Medical Fair to
generate synergy. More than 5,000 medical professionals are expected to
attend the event, and nearly 90 overseas and local medical experts will
share their professional insights and experiences on a host of subjects
in more than 50 thematic sessions.
Corporate Comm India(CCI NewsWire)
