The three-day event, inaugurated by Minister of Health, Humaid Mohamed Al Qutami, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, was attended by over 700 delegates and over 2000 professionals from across the region and the Asian Subcontinent.

Addressing the inaugural session of the three-day congress, Al Qutami highlighted the efforts made by the UAE Government in providing exemplary healthcare services for the region and appreciated IIR Middle East for organising this event.

'The development of medical service and health care services make this an extremely important forum here in Abu Dhabi. It gives the opportunity for professionals to exchange information with experts from different countries,' he said.

Infection Control, which plays a crucial role in the delivery of quality healthcare services, was also covered at the congress along with other topics such as Emergency and Disaster Management.

The congress also put the spotlight on the strategies of the Ministry of Health for the period from 2008 to 2011.

'The health sector in the UAE has seen major developments in all health sector,' said Al Qutami. 'There is a sharing of information between the local and united authorities under the leadership of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai,' he said.

The Minister also visited various stalls and met with exhibitors that included Schiller, Wyeth, MSD, AGT and Mercer.

The exhibition included the latest technological achievements in products and services related to emergency medical services, patient safety and primary healthcare.

Adding to some of the products being introduced for the first time in the region, one of the highlights at the exhibition was the latest and state-of-the-art emergency helicopter by the Abu Dhabi Police Air Wing.

Dr Mariam Al Matroushi, director of Central Department of School Health, Ministry of Health spoke in detail about the rising number of diabetes cases in the UAE and region. She also touched upon the key initiatives launched by the Ministry to combat this problem and expressed confidence that the congress would provide the impetus to promote greater awareness and launch prevention programmes across all emirates.

The first Abu Dhabi Medical Congress is being held with an objective of increasing awareness about the epidemic spread of Metabolic Syndrome in the Middle East resulting in an increased rate of cardiac diseases and diabetes. Enhancing emergency responsiveness and disaster management, together with highlighting the importance of controlling the spread of hazardous infections to ensure patient safety at hospitals, will be amongst the key topics at the Congress.

Supported by the Ministry of Health UAE Health Authority and the Abu Dhabi Department of Health and Medical Services, the Abu Dhabi Medical Congress is accredited by American Academy of Continuing Medical Education. The congress had discussions and debates on key issues that impact the medical industry. Speakers from various healthcare disciplines and ancillary industries conducted interactive sessions and forums during the event. The nine congress sessions touched upon every facet of the industry including Primary Healthcare & Metabolic Syndrome; Patient Safety & Infection Control; Emergency Congress; Disaster Management; Healthcare Insurance, Management and role of IT in the healthcare sector.
'For the first time in Abu Dhabi, IIR has staged a comprehensive medical event covering the major topics affecting the healthcare industry today. Medical professionals and suppliers have been very receptive to this event and we have received a strong visitor response. The various congresses being held during the event are facilitating interactive discussion forums and creating networking platforms for medical professionals. We are certain that these sessions at the event will equip the healthcare professionals in the region to embrace the challenges within the industry' said Simon Page of IIR.