Ken Clarke Takes UK Healthcare Technology Sector to Brazil

Online, May 20, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Ken Clarke takes UK Healthcare Technology sector to Brazil

Ken Clarke MP is leading the UK and Northern Ireland's largest ever Healthcare Technology and Life Sciences delegation to Brazil.

28 companies will travel to Sao Paulo to attend Hospitalar (21 - 24 May), the largest healthcare exhibition in South America, which is expecting to attract around 90,000 visitors - as well as taking part in the mission.

With the second biggest economy in the western hemisphere, Brazil has the largest healthcare market in Latin America. Approximately 80 per cent of all products used in hospitals are imported and recent reports show that international companies tripled exports into Brazil between 2008 and 2012.

The Government minister will lead a trade mission of British companies to Hospitalar to coincide with the Latin American launch of Healthcare UK at the British Consulate in Sao Paulo.

Healthcare UK, a joint initiative between UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and the NHS Commissioning Board, aims to help international customers from the public and private sectors access the UK's healthcare expertise and aims to boost the value of the UK's trade in healthcare products and services.

The trade mission is being organised by Medilink UK alongside its work running the UK Pavilion at Hospitalar on behalf of UKTI.

John Doddrell, British Consul-General in Sao Paulo and Director of UKTI Brazil, said: "With more than 8,000 hospitals and 280,000 doctors, Brazil has a vibrant healthcare sector.

"UK companies have recognised the growth of this market and are now developing innovative products and services which can help meet clinical needs, while also playing a significant role in the management of resources.

"I look forward to welcoming such a large delegation of British companies to Brazil, led by Ken Clarke, who will have the opportunity to explore joint ventures, find local distributors and meet with experts who will help companies navigate the complexities of medical device regulation."

TPP, a major clinical software company from the UK, will take part in both the exhibition and mission while in Brazil. Frank Hester, TPP Chief Executive and Founder, said: "We have been closely aligned to the global launches of Healthcare UK and look forward to supporting this next launch in Brazil, where we can also promote our innovative SystmOne technology."

ENDS