1. Editor's Comment:

Our international e-newswires sometimes have a theme. The last issue, for example, focused on Asia, specifically S.E. Asia, India, Pakistan and Japan. See: Issue 77. It is featured, once again, due to the number of people on holiday in August. Our next themed e-newswire to be issued on 22 September, will focus on the Middle East.

This issue has no such theme. I have, however, spent some time up-dating the Business Opportunities page in section 7. A number of new opportunities now feature on this page, including a Turkish distributor seeking protective clothing for surgery wear and a UK company seeking distribution for anti-embolism stockings. A number of other distribution opportunities feature, predominantly from the Middle East, which are not so product-specific.

There are a small number of jobs featured on this webpage, which include export sales support and sales rep. positions.

We are also in the process of compiling our Export Club programme for next year. The programme is, presently, likely to include Scandinavia and Turkey & The Baltics, as well as several exporting issues, be they regulatory or other barriers to export. Your comments would be welcome in this regard as well.

As it has been a while since I have done so, it seems timely to invite comments on this e-newswire, and the opportunities and features it contains. Please feel free to send comments to theresa.ashford@abhi.org.uk. Better still, why not come and visit us?

Date for diaries: Monday, 26 October. This day is aimed at introducing new members, and new employees of long standing member companies, to ABHI. Invitation/Agenda. if interested in attending, please e-mail: angela.jeffery@abhi.org.uk

Theresa.

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2. International Business / Industry News and Notifications:

America's Best Hospitals: the 2009–10 Honour Roll:
America's Best Hospitals, an annual ranking of the country's elite medical centers, is a tool for patients who need medical sophistication most facilities cannot offer. More
(Source: usnews.com; Release Date: 26 July, 2009)

UAE Hospitals plan to lease diagnostic equipment:
Major hospitals in the UAE are likely to outsource some of the diagnostic services to medical equipment leasing companies, if the UAE healthcare authorities give the green signal. More (Source: http://www.business24-7.ae/;2 August, 2009)

Medical Devices; New Zealand Assisted Notification of Devices - NZ WAND
Medsafe is very happy to announce the launch of the new NZ WAND database today, 3 August 2009. Although we have endeavoured to minimise change from the end user perspective, you should be aware of the following changes and new features. More
(Source; www.medsafe.govt.nz; 9 August, 2009)

Technical and Regulatory
15th edition of the GS1 Healthcare Newsletter: now available
The latest edition covers the Washington Conference and includes reports on what the EU Commission are doing as well as a UK update. More

Archived + More

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3. News from FCO; Market Updates from Commercial Officers:

ABHI has requested Commercial Officers from Greece, Portugal and Turkey to provide up-to-reports of activities and opportunities within their respective markets.

UKTI Commercial Officers are based in overseas commercial posts. ABHI liaises with, and seeks guidance from, the Commercial Officers specifically responsible for healthcare. The information provided especially in terms of local market knowledge is found to be highly relevant and invaluable.

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4. This Issue's Feature - Kimal Deutchland GmbH

In January of this year we took a significant step forward in Europe with the establishment of a direct sales and marketing company, Kimal Deutschland GmbH. It is interesting to note that the very first pack we manufactured and sold back in 1992 was to a German University Hospital in Dortmund! Although our sales did grow from this exciting start we lost momentum following the retirement of our distributor and then failed to find a workable model with another German partner.

Germany is the single largest European cardiology market performing in the region of 1.2 million interventional procedures per year. This compares with 300,000 in the UK and 600,000 in France! More

The Writer: Tim Proger New Market Development Kimal Plc

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5. International Business Opportunities:

Are you a UK healthcare company looking to expand your product range, or one seeking distribution overseas?

ABHI maintains an on-going listing of business opportunities in the healthcare sphere world-wide.

New Business Opportunities in this issue includes opportunities from Yemen, Turkey and Japan. You will note that some opportunities have direct contact details whereas for others it is preferable to go via the ABHI. If registering interest via the Association, contact information will be supplied to UK companies upon receipt of reference numbers.

Funding opportunity to develop priority healthcare products:
The NHS is inviting healthcare technology companies to get involved in developing key products that will help deliver a better service to the patient. Funding up to £20K is available for proof of concept studies, and up to £80K for the complete development (see http://competitions.nic.nhs.uk/ChallengeFaq.aspx for more details).

Clinicians working with Ambulance services and Paediatrics have identified six products that do not currently exist, and are asking external suppliers to respond either unilaterally or in collaboration with other companies. More

To apply, go to: http://competitions.nic.nhs.uk/ChallengeList.aspx where each product idea is detailed, including concepts and specifications produced by clinicians working in these areas. For queries, use the ‘Contact’ form on the NIC web site at www.nic.nhs.uk

Applications for the first phase of developing these products must be submitted to the National Innovation Centre, via the web link above, before 30 September 2009.

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6. ABHI Exhibitions and International Events:

ABHI Pavilions at Overseas Exhibitions:

Medical Fair, Thailand (formerly known as HOSPIMedica Asia), 16 - 18 September 2009:
ABHI is, once again, the proud organiser of the UK pavilion at Thailand's leading healthcare show. This year the event will be held in the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. The 2008 exhibition was a great success for many of the exhibitors in the UK pavilion. HOSPIMedica Asia.

Medica, Dusseldorf, 18-21 November 2009:
Medica remains the world’s largest exhibition for the medical technology industry attracting the top buyers, distributors, companies and government representatives from around the globe. It provides exhibitors with the opportunity to both develop and maintain business relationships in one location over 4 days that otherwise could take numerous business trips.
The ABHI is ready to continue with the success of last year's Medica, and will, therefore, be taking an increased amount of space in 2009 Medica.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

WHO WILL BE EXHIBITING ON THE ABHI PAVILION AT THE MEDICAL FAIR, Bangkok
WHO WILL BE EXHIBITING ON THE ABHI PAVILION AT MEDICA '09
WHO WILL BE EXHIBITING ON THE ABHI PAVILION AT ARAB HEALTH 10

If you wish to exhibit at Medica '09 or Arab Health '10, please log onto ABHI Exhibitions, clicking onto Medica and Arab Health, respectively.

For all exhibition enquiries e-mail: exhibitions@abhi.org.uk

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ABHI UK Market Conference
24 November 2009
Venue: Millennium Gloucester Hotel, London SW7

Register + to view the Programme:
https://www.abhi-events.org.uk/ukmarketconference

This year’s ABHI UK market conference will provide an essential up-to-the-minute guide to new information, ideas and strategies and enable delegates to take advantage of the latest opportunities in the UK healthcare environment.

In 2009 the signals from the NHS towards the medical technology sector changed radically. In July Government stated that “UK life sciences have everything going for them: world-class facilities, talented scientists and entrepreneurial flair. By championing innovation, the NHS can support the life sciences industry in developing ways to improve people’s health.” Yet there are frequent reminders of cuts to come in the NHS budget over the next few years. “The NHS faces the biggest squeeze on its funding since it was founded in 1948, despite pledges by Labour and the Conservatives to spare health from spending cuts in the next parliament,” [King’s Fund/IFS, July 2009].

How will this affect your business? What are the opportunities? And what does 2010 hold? More

Registration and Sponsorship:
Space at the conference will be limited, with delegate rates starting at just £195. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. To enquire about either please email conferences@abhi.org.uk or call +44 (0) 20 7960 4360.

ABHI's Export Club Update:
ABHI’s Export Club provides exporters with an opportunity to share experiences and gain market information. The format for ABHI's Export Clubs includes a series of interactive case studies and industry expert sessions, whilst offering an informal setting in which to network.

I have found the ABHI Export Club meetings extremely rewarding in terms of getting information about the International markets. This provides a platform where you understand how others have done business in different markets and learn about the challenges faced. I would suggest British companies to participate more in this and gain from this forum.

Achal Shenoy
International Sales Manager
Clement Clarke International

Forthcoming ABHI's Export Clubs:

17 September 2009, Focus on Israel:
Chairman: Tony Brown, The Nexus Group

The Israeli medical device market is the largest in the Middle East and is valued at an estimated US$885 million in 2008. Imports represent much of the market, which is dominated by ‘high-end’ products such as electromedical and X-ray equipment. Will include a live video link with the British Embassy, Tel Aviv.

Register to attend this event

Please note that this meeting will also include an up-date on the recent scoping mission to Russia undertaken by UKTI/Gambica and Industry. An Industry up-date on the mission will be provided by David Woods of Eschmann Equipment.

29 October 2009 Medica; France, Italy and Germany
Medica is the world’s largest medical trade fair with over 137,000 trade visitors attending the four day trade show. The event will also discuss the opportunities available in the French, German and Italian healthcare markets.

December (Date TBA); Arab Health; The Middle East
December's Export Club will focus on the Middle East, with a particular emphasis on Arab Health. The Middle East healthcare business is expected to be worth $60 billion by 2025* as the need for investment in services and facilities increases. It is the only region in the world that faces such a rapid increase in demand and this growth is creating a number of new opportunities for key stakeholders in the sector.

All write-ups extracted from Espicom Business Intelligence. www.espicom.com

ABHI’s full Events Listing 2009

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7. UK Government Updates:

Advamed is the premier medical technology, business development, policy forum and capital formation event in the USA - the world’s largest Medical Technology market.

This Mission will showcase UK excellence in medical technology and elevate the visibility of British companies in the US market. Companies attending the mission will be able to access key contacts in the US, and inform them of the world-class R&D and innovation coming out of the UK. More

Life Sciences Trade Mission to Beijing 12-15 October 2009

Earlier this year the Chinese government announced the investment of 850 billion RMB to reform its ailing healthcare sector over the next three years. This much anticipated reform aims to provide 'safe, effective, convenient and affordable' health services to the whole population by 2020.

The UKTI mission will showcase the UK's excellence in Life Sciences and elevate the visibility of British companies in the Chinese market. Companies attending the mission will have an opportunity to present the UK's innovative and world-class R&D talents, to key contacts in China.

Registration Form

Opportunity to meet with senior-level delegation from Brazil;
The Foreign & Commonwealth office, Wednesday 23 September 2009:

The rescheduled visit of the Brazilian Minister for Health, Dr Jose Gomes Temporao is due to take place in September. During this visit, there will be an opportunity for healthcare companies either presently, or potentially interested in, doing business in Brazil to meet the delegation. This meeting will take place on Wednesday 23 September in the Map Room at the Foreign & Commonwealth office.

Please e-mail rob.walcott@ukti.gsi.gov.uk to register your interest in meeting with the delegation.

Agenda
Programme

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8. Global surgical company awarded prestigious ‘Made In Sheffield’ title

Downs Surgical – the UK’s leading manufacturer and supplier of surgical instruments - has been awarded the prestigious ‘Made in Sheffield’ mark for all their products; symbolising their on-going commitment to quality and excellence.

'Made In Sheffield’ is one of the world’s greatest brands, famous globally as a mark of origin and quality on the products that are manufactured in the city.

Steve Spurgin, International Business Manager at Downs Surgical, said: “Sheffield is a successful 21st century producer city, boasting world-class companies in a number of sectors including healthcare and Downs is pleased to be associated with the city and this prestigious brand.

“Our team of skilled craftsman use the latest technology to turn raw materials into a portfolio of instruments and even the simplest pair of scissors or needle holders go through the same series of rigorous processes and checks as the most complex and delicate ENT instruments to ensure they are worthy of the job they are intended for and the Downs brand.” More

Also see: Medilink Innovation Day & Healthcare Business Awards

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9. Other Associated International Activities:

Patron: HRH The Duke of York KG KCVO

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Advert

Management Forum listings

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Advert

For the latest conference information and to register please visit www.nano.org.uk/events/ionevents.htm
Contact Carrie Smith or telephone +44 (0) 141 303 8444.

For the latest course information and to register please visit www.nano.org.uk/nanomednet
Contact Gemma McCulloch or telephone
+44 (0) 1786 458020.

The Institute of Nanotechnology is a registered Scottish Charity, No. SC 025709.

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Advert

THE MEDICAL DEVICE MARKET: UKRAINE
Around 90% of the medical device market is supplied by imports!

Ukraine is the second largest country in Europe and the 22nd largest in the world. The population is estimated at 45.8 million in 2009. Ukraine aspires to join the EU, but currently Brussels will only consider negotiating agreements on free trade and visa facilitation. Relations with Russia remain complex; they have become more aggravated by Ukraine’s dependence on gas imports from the federation and recent price hikes.

Healthcare funding in Ukraine is largely through taxation. However, a system of public healthcare insurance has been under discussion since at least 1996. Government health expenditure is very low, even by Eastern European standards. Ukraine spends around 7.0% of GDP on healthcare, which is one of the lowest levels in Europe. Healthcare should be free for the whole population, but due to a lack of funding, patients are usually forced to make under-the-table payments.

In 2008, the Ukrainian market for medical equipment and supplies was estimated at US$394 million, or US$9 per capita. It is expected that the device market will continue to expand at a rate of 5.1% per annum. This will take the Ukrainian market to US$514 million, equal to US$11 per capita by 2013.

Around 90% of the medical device market is supplied by imports. The USA and Germany were the leading suppliers in 2006, accounting for almost 40% of imports. Although domestic producers struggle to compete with Western manufacturers in terms of product quality, exports to the EU-15 are gradually increasing.

Published by Espicom Business Intelligence, The Medical Device Market: Ukraine, Opportunities and Challenges, is ideal for executives wanting to understand the key drivers in the medical market and have access to a wealth of statistical data, including five-year market projections. Included with the report are 3 free quarterly updated outlook reports, enabling you to keep up to date with market developments for a year.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND TO ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY, GO TO:
https://www.espicom.com/prodcat.nsf/Product_ID_Lookup/00000599?OpenDocument

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Announcement

MIDDLE EAST HEALTH is the leading independent English-language medical trade magazine serving the Middle East, including the Levant, Egypt and Iran. It was established in 1975 and is the oldest and most well established medical trade magazine serving the region. It is published bi-monthly and has a distribution of 15,000 copies with an estimated readership of more than 65,000 senior medical professionals across all specialties, including hospital directors, heads of department, administrators, senior purchase personnel, medical importers, exporters & distributors, ministries of health and heads of university medical departments. The November 2009 issue will carry a special report on the UNITED KINGDOM which will serve as an excellent platform for manufacturers and exporters to showcase their products by way of editorial inclusions and advertising. This will provide an excellent opportunity for you to raise brand awareness in the lucrative Middle East market and introduce new products and services to a region which is highly dependent on imports. Medical products originating in the UNITED KINGDOM are of a very high quality and this is a key selling point to a region which demands and can afford to pay for high quality products. Several thousand extra copies of the November issue will be run of the press for distribution at the Middle East Health stand at Medica 2009 in Germany – the world’s largest medical trade show. Take advantage of this exclusive opportunity.

Contact:
Jay Franco: Marketing Manager – Americas, UK and France
MIDDLE EAST HEALTH
3 Erinlea Crescent, Scarborough, Ontario M1H 2S8, Canada

Tel: +1-416-439-5100; Fax: +1-416-430-0300;
Email: jfranco@middleeasthealthmag.com; www.middleeasthealthmag.com