Arab Health 2024 Kicks Off with a Panel on Sustainable Healthcare in the Middle East
The Smart Hospital and Interoperability Zone at Arab Health 2024 commenced with a high-profile panel discussion addressing environmental sustainability in Middle Eastern healthcare. Industry leaders and experts convened to explore strategies for integrating sustainability into the region's healthcare systems.
In 2023, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the regulatory authority for healthcare in the Emirate, set ambitious healthcare sustainability goals. These objectives aim to reduce carbon emissions by 20 percent by 2030 and achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050, boosting alignment across the healthcare ecosystem.
Jacqui Rock, Chief Commercial Officer of the National Health Service England, highlighted the importance of collaboration with innovative suppliers in advancing sustainability goals. Rock emphasised the need to assess the impact of new technology on sustainability and the greener agenda, a priority for the NHS.
Con McGarry, Senior Consultant at Arcadia Health, stressed the necessity to make the case for sustainability in healthcare more visible. He proposed collecting data into a central performance management system to facilitate meaningful conversations and ensure correct actions are taken.
Richard Cantlay, Global Healthcare Leader at Mott MacDonald, emphasised the urgent need to break the vicious cycle in healthcare, wherein health systems contribute to climate change, leading to poor health and increased demand. Cantlay urged healthcare systems to address sustainability urgently.
Arab Health organisers, Informa Markets, have introduced several sustainable practices, including the use of renewable electricity and endorsing public transportation. The exhibition has implemented eco-friendly solutions such as digital badges and paperless registration to minimise material waste.
Arab Health 2024, ongoing until Thursday, February 1, 2024, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, showcases technologies at the Smart Hospital and Interoperability Zone. Partnering with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, the Zone features demonstrations highlighting advancements in labor and delivery, intensive care, and more.
Innovative exhibitors at the Zone include e4life, showcasing a device with over 90% efficacy against respiratory viruses, and CareCloud, presenting a therapy solutions suite enhancing patient engagement and operational efficiency.
Arab Health 2024 anticipates over 3,450 exhibitors and 110,000 healthcare professional visitors from 180 countries. Supported by various government entities, including the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Government of Dubai, the Dubai Health Authority, the Department of Health, and the Dubai Healthcare City Authority, the event aims to propel sustainable healthcare practices onto the global stage.
