This year marks the third time Messe Dusseldorf Asia organizes the HospiMedica Thailand. The three day event started yesterday at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center and will end tomorrow.

Organizers were initially somewhat skeptical due to the recent political stability issues Thailand is facing, but so far the organizers report unexpectedly strong support from more than 200 exhibiting companies from all parts of the world.

HospiMedica Thailand 2007 gives participants and visitors a chance to update themselves on the latest developments in the health-care industry. Apart from that the event also provides a welcome opportunity for professionals in the health-care industry to network.

Thailand’s market for medical devices is expected to record healthy growth this year in keeping with the ever growing medical tourism.

According to the organizer, the medical equipment and supplies market in the Asia-Pacific region is forecast to grow by 30% to a value of approximately $43 billion by 2010.

Thailand’s market for medical devices was valued at around THB 500 Mio in 2006 and is expected to grow by 20% this year. If you think about it, it’s a tiny amount still, for the world leader in medical tourism. I expect this growth to accelerate over time, but for now the rich hospitals here still pride themselves of importing most of their equipment, rather than using locally manufactured tools.