The 7th Nepal Medical Show was held from February 29 to March 02, 2024, at the Bhrikuti Mandap Exhibition Hall in Kathmandu. The Medical Show has once again proven itself as the cornerstone of medical innovation and collaboration in the region. The event was hosted by S.D. Promo Media Pvt. Ltd and co-organized by CHEMSAN (Chemical & Medical Suppliers Association of Nepal) and EEPC(Engineering Export Promotion Council of India), with support from APHIN(Association of Private Health Institutions of Nepal) and AMED(Association of Indian Medical Device Industry). This year’s edition of the Nepal Medical Show surpassed the expectations, bringing together a diverse array of healthcare professionals, manufacturers, distributors, and stakeholders all under one roof.
With over 300 exhibitors showcasing 600+ top brands from around the world, the event served as a vital platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and business opportunities. This year the show focused the most on the diagnostic products and tools . However, besides diagnostic equipment and products there were various other items like hospital furniture to ICU equipment, Hospital flooring to accreditation services, the exhibition floor was a testament to the latest advancements in medical technology and services.
Beyond the bustling trade exhibition, the Nepal Medical Show offered collaborative opportunities for local businesses to partner with exhibitor organizations. It provided a space for stakeholders to forge key alliances, explore new markets, and engage with industry leaders, driving forward the agenda of healthcare excellence in Nepal. This global perspective not only enriched the discourse but also opened doors to new partnerships and opportunities for growth and development.
One of the most striking aspects of this year’s show was its focus on inclusiveness and diversity within the healthcare sector. Welcoming professionals from all facets of the industry, including doctors, hospital CEOs, educators, microbiologists, biochemists, pharmaceutical experts, and more, the event fostered a spirit of unity and collaboration towards a common goal – the advancement of healthcare for all. A lot of students in the field of healthcare got to glimpse the latest State of The Art technology in the healthcare field.
Moreover, the Nepal Medical Show played a pivotal role in highlighting the importance of cross-border cooperation, with the participation of international exhibitors and organizations. Not just the exhibitors but it had people from various nations visit the stalls here in Nepal.
Looking ahead, the legacy of the Nepal Medical Show 2024 will continue to reverberate throughout the healthcare community, inspiring innovation, driving collaboration, and shaping the future of medical care in Nepal. As we bid farewell to yet another successful edition for the 7th time, let us carry forward the momentum gained, striving towards a healthier, more prosperous future for all.
Insights from the Event Organizer
During the event, we got up close with Mr Vivek Vikram, Marketing Director of S.D. Promo Media Private Limited, the chief organizer of the event and asked him a few questions. Please proceed to read his views on the exposition, the organizers perspective on the event.
Can you highlight any specific themes or key areas of focus for this year’s exhibition?
One of the primary themes that took center stage at the Nepal Medical Show 2024 was the diagnostic products and equipment. In an era where healthcare is increasingly reliant on accurate and efficient diagnostics, this year’s exhibition placed a spotlight on the latest advancements in diagnostic technology.
The global healthcare landscape has witnessed a significant surge in the development of new diagnostic tools and techniques, and Nepal is no exception. Recognizing the importance of strengthening diagnostic capabilities within its healthcare infrastructure, Nepal Medical Show seized the opportunity to showcase the best-in-class producers and suppliers of diagnostic tools and equipment.
From cutting-edge imaging systems to state-of-the-art laboratory diagnostics, the exhibition floor was abuzz with displays of the latest innovations aimed at enhancing diagnostic accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility. Attendees had the unique opportunity to explore a comprehensive range of diagnostic solutions, all conveniently gathered under one roof. By highlighting these advancements, the Nepal Medical Show not only facilitated knowledge exchange but also inspired healthcare professionals to embrace new technologies and approaches to diagnosis and treatment.
Are there any notable speakers or exhibitors that attendees took special interest at the event?
This year there are some very big brands like Allengers and Mindray in Medical technology, some big brands in diagnostics and some stalls were dedicated to Hospital architects who have helped setting up numerous hospitals. SkanRay, our trade partner of the event, has brought in a wide range of healthcare technology products. We have hosted Lowenstein Medical, all the way from Germany, they specialize in medical devices while keeping patient safety as their top most priority. There are exhibitors from China who have brought in their research products in the market like Shenzhen Baisense Science & Technology Co. Ltd., Shenzhen YongNian Technology Co. Ltd, too. These are just to name a few, as we said we have 300 plus stalls showcasing 600 plus top brands in this event.
What feedback or lessons learned from past events have influenced the planning and organization of the current one?
In every exhibition, we took feedback from visitors and top people in the field like CEOs of hospitals, pathologists, scientists. We also accessed the market demand and planned the exhibition. The VIP lounges set up for forging B2B partnerships is something we launched lately. During the 3 days long exhibition period, the exhibitors can have meetings with the visitors in various VIP lounges that have been set up in the expo. Some meetings were planned prior to the exposition and were conducted there. We also helped visitors forge B2B partnerships with various exhibitors. We have tried to ensure that we run the exhibition during an off day, such that people can visit our exhibition on the holiday. Therefore, our exhibition ended on Saturday this time.
Please describe UNIQUE challenges you have been facing organizing this kind of exhibition in Nepal.
Organizing an exhibition of this scale in Nepal comes with its own set of unique challenges, particularly concerning the exhibition center and logistical issues faced by international exhibitors. One of the foremost challenges we encounter is the condition of the exhibition center itself. The Bhrikuti Mandap Exhibition Ground, while historically significant, is currently in a sorry state and urgently requires renovation. As the primary venue for major events like the Nepal Medical Show, it is imperative that the government takes proactive steps to address this issue. A well-maintained and modernized exhibition center is not only essential for the success of the event but also reflects positively on Nepal’s image as a host for international exhibitions.
Furthermore, as Nepal emerges as an attractive market for international players in the healthcare sector, the demand for exhibition space continues to grow. With an increasing number of exhibitors and participants expressing interest in future events, it is crucial that the government prioritizes the development of a proper exhibition center equipped to accommodate the evolving needs of the industry. Providing a suitable venue will not only enhance the overall experience for exhibitors and attendees but also attract a wider range of international participants, thereby fostering greater collaboration and business opportunities.
From the perspective of exhibitors, particularly those from India, logistical challenges at the border pose significant hurdles. The process of transporting exhibits and products across the border involves navigating various bureaucratic procedures and customs formalities, often resulting in delays and added expenses. Simplifying and streamlining these processes would not only alleviate the burden on exhibitors but also encourage greater participation from international stakeholders.
What key improvements or changes do you envision for the next medical product exhibition?
Building upon the success of past exhibitions, a key improvement for the next medical product exhibition would be to expand and enrich the seminar program. By curating a diverse range of seminars covering topics such as emerging healthcare trends, technological innovations, and best practices in medical management, attendees can gain valuable insights and knowledge from industry experts.
Strengthening partnerships with medical associations and professional organizations is crucial for the success of future exhibitions. Additionally, establishing strategic alliances with associations can help ensure that the exhibition addresses the current challenges and opportunities facing the healthcare industry.
To further enrich the content and diversity the perspectives at the exhibition, we are considering inviting speakers from other countries. By featuring renowned experts and thought leaders from around the globe, attendees can gain valuable insights into international best practices, innovative approaches, and global trends shaping the healthcare landscape.
How do you plan to enhance the overall attendee experience at the upcoming exhibition?
We are planning to make our 8th expo, dedicated to equipment in that Nepal is currently trying to bring in various kinds of health equipment in the nation. As I mentioned earlier, we also base our exhibition based on the feedback of the visitors, we will look into that aspect too to finalize the theme of the next event. We intend to bring in more exhibitors and try to increase the number of visitors in the exhibition. We certainly had a high number of visitors from Nepal, but we also had lots of people coming in from other nations. Last year we had people visit us from 11 nations. People from nearby nations used this platform as an opportunity to understand and be acquainted with the changing healthcare sector scenario with respect to recent developments in the field of healthcare technology. Having an influx of tourists certainly helps Nepal in other aspects of tourism too. We intend to make it a knowledge sharing platform bringing in specialists in the field from various nations.
At last, how might tapping into the resources, connections, and opportunities offered by a prominent medical magazine help succeed in exhibitions of this nature?
Certainly, tapping into the resources, connections, and opportunities offered by a prominent medical magazine can significantly support our business’s growth, innovation, and success at exhibitions of this nature. It provides an excellent opportunity to increase the visibility of our exhibition among a targeted audience of healthcare professionals, industry stakeholders, and potential attendees. Leveraging the reach and influence of a medical magazine enables us to effectively communicate with our target audience and engage them in meaningful ways. It opens doors to valuable networking and partnership opportunities within the healthcare ecosystem. We can forge strategic alliances, collaborations, and sponsorships that enhance the value proposition of our exhibition. These partnerships can result in mutually beneficial outcomes, including increased brand visibility, access to new markets, and opportunities for cross-promotion and co-marketing initiatives that amplify our reach and impact. We are thankful to MedicosNext for being our media partner for the event.