Pharma And Healthcare Expo 2024 To Boost Malaysia As Regional Healthcare Hub

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- The inaugural Malaysia Pharma and Healthcare Expo 2024 to be held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) from Oct 22-24, is set to boost Malaysia’s healthcare industry by promoting innovative products, fostering partnerships, and attracting investments in medical devices and pharmaceutical products.

The event features over 30 exhibitors from India and participants from Malaysia, Australia, and Singapore and is expected to draw significant participation from key players in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.

During an advisory member and media interaction recently held at MITEC, Datuk Ramesh Kodammal, a founding member of the ASEAN India Business Council (AIBC), emphasised the expo's importance in fostering business opportunities and collaboration within the industry.

"This inaugural event is a crucial step towards positioning Malaysia as a central hub for the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, ensuring the sustainability of this expo in the years to come," he told Bernama, adding that the event builds on the success of the first Pharma and Healthcare Expo held in Manila, Philippines, with AIBC support.

The event, organised by Genesis Global Exhibitions and Ace Group in collaboration with AIBC, aims to attract pharmaceutical and healthcare companies to Malaysia. Buyers are expected from Iraq, Palestine, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Indonesia, the Netherlands, and Vietnam. 

Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) Deputy Vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Muhammad Tauffik Mohd Noor highlighted USIM's contributions to medical advancements, particularly in Shariah-compliant medical research.

He also stressed the importance of Halal certification for vaccines and medicines in Malaysia.

“USIM is focusing on research in telemedicine and e-health solutions, especially to improve access to healthcare in rural and underserved areas. We are also working closely with industry partners like Pharmaniaga and Duopharma to bring academic research to market,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh noted the expo's relevance to the local healthcare sector.

"Innovative healthcare products are essential to keep costs affordable for private and public hospitals. This exhibition will showcase new technologies that could benefit patients in Malaysia," he said, adding that APHM’s 157 member hospitals are keen to explore new products and technologies presented at the expo.

AIBC alternate chairman Nivas Ragavan, who is also Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KLSICCI) president said the expo would be one of the largest pharmaceutical and healthcare exhibitions in Kuala Lumpur.

“The participation from ASEAN countries and India, with a trade value of US$100 billion in services, goods, and investment, highlights the enormous potential for collaboration in this region. Malaysia’s fast-growing medical sector and its recognition by the Medical Device Authority (MDA) globally will bring value to this exhibition,” he said.

MDA chief executive Dr Muralitharan Paramasua reiterated Malaysia's role as a leading manufacturer of medical devices, particularly catheters and rubber gloves.

He emphasised the opportunities presented by the recently launched New Industrial Masterplan 2030 (NIMP 2030), which focuses on high-precision medical devices.

“Malaysia is a preferred destination for investment in the medical devices sector, and our regulatory framework is recognised worldwide. MDA will facilitate B2B networking and contribute to the sector's growth,” he said.

-- BERNAMA