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Healthcare industry stakeholders from Dallas and also officials from the State's airport visited Sharjah to boost the medical tourism sector between both the countries
Sharjah, UAE: H.E. Abdulla Ali Al Mahyan, Chairman of SHA (Sharjah Health Authority) and SHCC (Sharjah Healthcare City) along with Dr. Abdel Aziz Al Mheiri, Director of SHA and the senior management welcomed a high level delegation from Dallas, United States. The delegation was here to explore healthcare investment opportunities within the Sharjah Healthcare City and also partner with local authorities to address challenges faced by the industry in the region.
The delegation consisted of several healthcare industry stakeholders, opinion makers including authorities from the DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth) International Airport to boost inward and outward patient travel.
Commenting on the visit, Al Mahyan said, "Our mission is to make Sharjah as the most sought after healthcare destination in the region through proactively pursuing cooperative agreements and collaborations with countries that have proven track records as premier medical destinations. One of the main strategic objectives of SHA is to partner with international counterparts to share knowledge, best practices and human resource and thereby develop a strong relationship to cater to the healthcare industry."
"The importance of the role of US healthcare providers in the Middle East market is very significant and their visit to the region reiterates the interests to foster and grow the healthcare system in the region. The prime objective of the visit by the US delegation is to connect medical institutions and government leaders from both regions and to forge working networks that can provide a solid and trusted basis for further engagement and mutual business and expertise development. We are proud to introduce SHCC to the US delegation that is keen on investment plans in the esteemed project to boost healthcare in the region," continued Al Mahyan.
SHCC is spread over about 2.5 million sqms of land of which 0.5 million sqms will be developed during the immediate first phase. SHCC would be located in close proximity to the Sharjah International Airport with easy access to all parts of the country.
SHCC was formed in March 2012 under the directive and vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and the Ruler of Sharjah, with the objective to transform and enhance the regional healthcare service industry. SHCC offers healthcare related investment opportunities in the healthcare sector in Sharjah.
The SHCC Chairman emphasized that the SHCC and the US authorities have exchanged views on the existing healthcare system in both countries and have agreed on developing a strong bilateral relations between the two authorities. UAE is one of the front runners for medical tourism in the Middle Eastern region, and to consolidate its position it is working with the US who is keen to support this vision with necessary resources.
Last year, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea, had signed a landmark cooperation agreement with SHA. Also, His Excellency, the Consul General of The Republic of South Africa Mr. ManabileShogole, led a large contingent of high level delegates to the Sharjah Healthcare City headquarters earlier this year.
As per the GCC healthcare 2025 Report by McKinsey & Co., it is predicted that the demand for hospital beds across the region to increase by 160% by 2025. The McKinsey & Co. report on healthcare spending predicts surging costs in the sector, with total GCC healthcare costs expected to increase fivefold from USD12 billion in 2007 to USD 60 billion by 2025.
The delegation of nine dignitaries from the US that visited Sharjah included - John Ackerman, EVP Global Development and Strategy, DFW International Airport; Dr. Britt Nelson, President of the Cook Children's Physician Network, Cook Children's Health Care System ; Mr. Gary Brock, President and Chief Operating Officer, Baylor Scott & White Health; Ms. Cynthia Gonzalez, Executive Director, Cook Children's Health Care System; Dr. Dwain Thiele, Senior Associate Dean for Strategic Development, University of Texas South Western Medical School; Ms. Marjorie Adams, President, Adams & Associates; Ms. Mitzi Chollampel, Senior Manager, International Marketing and Public Relations, DFW International Airport; Ms. Karen Herberger, DFW International Airport; Mr. Glenn Johnston, DFW International Airport Middle East Representative.
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About Sharjah Healthcare Authority:
The Sharjah Health Authority's commitment is to create a destination that offers trusted and holistic solutions in healthcare for all mankind. Sharjah Health Care City intends to service and fulfill the needs of all demographics within the City with as many options possible in healthcare. Sharjah Healthcare City operates as a Free Zone, enabling investors to enjoy 100% ownership of their entity, zero tax and duties, 100% repatriable profits, single- window service, hassle- free licensing and a world- class infrastructure. www.shcc.ae.
Agency Contact:
Prem A. Ramachandran
Managing Director
White Water Public Relations
GSM: 0097150-4537253
PO. Box 18936, Dubai, UAE
Email: prem@whitewaterpr.com
www.whitewaterpr.com
© Press Release 2015
