‘Local production of health equipment will save dollars’

LNH organises a two-day Karachi Healthcare Products Fair 2019

KARACHI: The Liaquat National Hospital (LNH) organised a two-day Karachi Healthcare Products Fair 2019 on January 15 and 16 on its premises. Over 140 vendors, importers, suppliers and producers of healthcare products showcased their merchandise. Teams of experts were also present at the event to elaborate on the merchandise on display which included medical technologies and diagnostics, laboratory analytical equipment, surgical and pharmacy equipment, infrastructure for healthcare set-ups and general goods.

LNH Medical Director Dr Salman Faridi asked investors to start local manufacturing of medical equipment instead of relying on imports. “Stents used in cardiac interventions are simple devices that can be made within a few thousand rupees, yet they are imported for hundreds of dollars,” he said, adding that various scanning equipment like CT scans can easily be manufactured locally. He was of the opinion that local manufacturing of medical equipment would have direct and indirect benefits for the patients.

Dr Attaur Rehman, organiser of the event, added that the fair provided companies in the health sector the opportunity to showcase their latest products and services, meet with industry partners and customers, and understand better the trends and opportunities within the health sector.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2019.