The ceremony took place during their participation in the 36th edition activities of the World Hospital Congress which was held in Rio Di Jenero Brazil from 10 to 12 November at the Windsor Barra Hotel and Congress in Rio de Janeiro. The event was held under the patronage of H.E Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, and inaugurated by the Minister of Health in Brazil H.E. Jose Gomes, in addition to many international key professionals.
The event is hosted by the CNS – National Health Confederation of Brazil and Hospitalar, and is held under the theme “Health in the Era of Knowledge”. More than 2,500 hospital and health professional had registered from all over the world. The congress included the Medical Devices Expo which embraced more than 100 international companies specialized in hospitals and health technologies and services.
The Dubai Health Authority, represented by Mr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Member of the International Hospital Federation Governing Council and the Representative of IHF in the Middle East and North Africa Region, received the flag for hosting the event in Dubai in March 29-31, 2011 on behalf of H.E. Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid, Director General of Dubai Health Authority. Dubai will be the first City in the Arab World to host the congress since the foundation of International Hospital Federation in 1930.
H.E. Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid said “Hosting this World Hospital Congress in Dubai reflects the global position of UAE in general and Dubai in particular on the global map. Dubai was chosen to host this event after a strong competition with four countries including Portugal, Argentina, Indonesia and South Africa”.
Al Murooshid added:
“The direct and unlimited support of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and his brother Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance, President of Dubai Health Authority is a major factor behind the overwhelming success and global reputation of Dubai in hosting international events, in addition to facilitating the way for international exhibitions and conferences organizers to attract global assemblies of this level”
Al Murooshid assured the importance of this event that will be attended by leading international figures including health ministers from different member countries in the International Hospital Federation in addition to CEOs and Directors of Hospitals and Health Care Orgagnizations. H.E added that the expected positive results of this event will be of benefit to all the countries in the region especially in terms of improving and developing the health services.
Dr. Ahmed Al Banna, Member of Board of Directors and Assistant Secretary General for the Arab Union for International Exhibitions and Conferences was also present at the congress.
The Brazilian Health Minister had a tour in the expo during the inauguration ceremony where he visited the Dubai stand and welcomed Mr. Al Madani to Brazil and wished him a successful congress in Dubai ascertaining the commitment of the Government of Brazil to support the Hospitals and Health in the world and affirming that the Government of Brazil and the National Health Confederation shall have an active and high participation in the 37th World Hospital Congress held in Dubai.
On this occasion Mr. Al Madani handed over to H.E. Jose Gomes Temporao a token of appreciation from the organizers of the 37th World Hospital Congress.
More than 500 health professionals representing Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Mexico, USA, Canada, Austria, UK, Spain, Italy, France, Belgium, Greece, Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, India, Nigeria, South Africa, Australia, Iran and Turkey have visited the Dubai 2011 stand during the first day, where they got the required information about the congress and most of them showed great interest to participate.