What was the rationale behind the inception of an event like Medicall? How has it evolved and grown over the years?
| Dr S Manivannan CEO, Medicall |
I had undergone the pains of bringing up a hospital from scratch in a small town. Like any other young medical graduate I came out with lots of dreams but little practical knowledge in setting up hospitals. The journey from a 30-bed family owned hospital to a 750-bed, professionally managed healthcare group was a rich learning experience. In order to share this experience with doctor entrepreneurs like us, I started a consulting company called Medexpert Business Consultants Pvt Ltd, which in turn created Medicall in 2006; primarily aimed at creating a platform for the promotion of medical technology for hospitals.
How have you geared up for Medicall 2012? What preparations have been underway?
Based on the response to last year’s staging of Medicall, we have sought to further increase the level of overseas participation and accordingly taken the necessary steps to communicate and promote Medicall internationally.
Medicall is the only organiser in India who does extensive marketing campaign for visitors as well as the exhibitors. The visitors’ campaign starts alongwith the exhibitors marketing. Medicall 2012’s visitor countries are Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Srilanka. The Medicall team personally visits these visitor countries and confirms buyers delegation from these countries visiting Medicall The visitors brochure (Doctors brochure) is sent four times in a year to over 75000 target audience. The brochure contains the updates of the show on the conference, exhibition participants, awards etc. VIP invitations are sent to all the hospitals of India. Concurrent conferences happening during Medicall are updated on regular basis through emailers, selected healthcare magazines of India and international, press releases etc.
What are the new additions to look for at Medicall 2012?
This year we plan to organise an interesting seminar on healthcare chains. Leading entrepreneurs from Indian healthcare industry will share their experiences with the delegates. This session is bound to attract hospital owners. Also, more than 120 international exhibitors from Pakistan, Germany, Taiwan, China, Malaysia, Iran, Singapore and Middle East will showcase their products. As part of Archimedes – an exclusive healthcare infrastructure pavilion – we will be organising a Healthcare Property Mela, wherein latest trends in healthcare real estate will be deliberated.
The revolutionary Fashion Show on hospital garments is a major highlight. It is based on the premise that patients like children and youngsters normally get bored of seeing the conventional white uniform of doctors and nurses in hospitals.
Medicall has concurrent seminars under the banner of “Everything they failed to teach at Medical College”, addressing a broad spectrum of topics. Besides, we have instituted the Medicall Healthcare Innovations Award to encourage and reward innovation in this industry.
Brief us on the exhibition stalls at the event this year, what kind of participation are you expecting at the event?
In addition to stalls of leading Indian medical equipment manufacturers, there will also be international pavilions from Taiwan, Germany, China, South Korea and Pakistan.
Can you name some key participants at the event this year?
Having been staged for the past six successive years, Medicall has registered growing participation by some of the leading names in hospitals chains and medical equipment manufacturers in India. Philips India is the sponsor.
Are there any products and technologies slated to be launched at Medicall 2012?
As can be expected of an event enjoying leadership in its category, Medicall forms the perfect platform for showcasing the latest and path-breaking products and technologies. Some of them include disinfecting reagents, advance life support ambulance, natural latex surgical rubber gloves, different types of floorings for hospitals, modular OT, medical gas, ENT equipment, laundry and kitchen equipment for hospitals, hospital software technology, special OT lights and UV lamps, laparoscopy, urology, gastroenterology and opthalmic products, neonatal and paediatric products, anaesthesia and dental products etc.
What are the current trends driving the medical equipment market?
Rising incomes and a growing elderly population are factors that have triggered the demand for high-quality medical care, transforming the healthcare delivery sector into a profitable industry. With the integration of world economies, high quality treatment at a fraction of the cost, in comparison to western countries, makes India an ideal healthcare destination for highly specialised medical care. In addition, changing demographics, disease profiles and the shift from chronic to lifestyle diseases in the country has led to increased spending on healthcare delivery. Medial tourism too is changing the face of traditional healthcare industry in India. It has necessitated the upgrading of India’s hospitals, thus paving the way for latest technology and equipment to enhance both the efficacy and cost efficiency of services and treatment.
What is your message for the exhibitors and the participants expected at Medicall 2012?
To the visitors ..
Medicall has always offered new products, innovative seminars. This year, we have ensured variety in products for more international participation. You have always supported our seminars. This year’s seminar on healthcare chains, property mela and innovation awards will satisfy your academic needs.
To exhibitors ..
We have always ensured that quality visitors attend the show our innovative seminars and campaign is bound to attract the decision makers of the industry.