The Institute for Biotechnology and Medicine Industry (IBMI) led a delegation to the Middle East for a series of smart healthcare and industry cooperation exchanges. On Thursday, September 11, the delegation visited Mediclinic City Hospital, Dubai Science Park and its innovation platform In5, as well as the regional medical device association Mecomed, demonstrating Taiwan’s potential in healthcare system digital transformation collaboration.

Exploring Middle East Smart Hospital Models and Post-Pandemic Healthcare Needs

The delegation’s first stop was Mediclinic City Hospital, part of Mediclinic International, a South African-origin group. Recognized in 2025 by Newsweek as one of the world’s top 100 smart hospitals, it is a leading smart hospital in the Middle East. Hospital representative David Eglington noted that Mediclinic City Hospital integrates inpatient, outpatient, and dialysis services, operating under a public-private partnership with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). Following the COVID-19 pandemic, more residents have sought treatment locally, driving rapid growth in cancer care and geriatric medicine demand.

Lin, Chin-Feng, CEO of the Hospital and Social Welfare Organizations Administration Commission, Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), shared Taiwan’s experience in integrating 26 hospitals and 13 social welfare organizations nationwide, providing over 25,000 beds and services from 20,000 staff members. In recent years, MOHW has promoted automated testing centers, smart pharmacies, telemedicine, and AI-assisted diagnostics. Lin highlighted that Taiwan’s digital and sustainable healthcare experience could serve as a strong foundation for future bilateral collaboration.

Visiting Middle East Innovation Hubs: Linking Research Startups to Market

The delegation then visited Dubai Science Park (DSP) and its innovation platform In5. DSP, the first free zone in the Middle East focused on science, health, and energy, hosts over 400 multinational and local companies across biotech, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and environmental energy sectors, offering R&D facilities and professional support. In5 focuses on AI healthcare, telecare, and smart medical device startups, serving as a key incubator for medical innovation in the region. DSP representative Faris Abubakar emphasized the park’s role in assisting companies with regulatory alignment, investor matchmaking, and international cooperation, helping foreign enterprises integrate quickly into the local market.

Meeting Mecomed: Connecting Local Distribution Networks

The delegation’s final stop was Mecomed, the largest medical device, in vitro diagnostics, and medical imaging industry association in the Middle East and North Africa. Its members include multinational leaders and local distributors, serving as the industry’s primary advocacy platform. Dr. Rami Rajab, Mecomed CEO, noted that as a member of the Global Medical Technology Alliance (GMTA), Mecomed collaborates closely with AdvaMed (USA), MedTech Europe, and APACMed, while assisting regional governments and regulators in drafting and revising policies, promoting standardization, and cross-border coordination. Through its distributor network, Mecomed helps member companies bring products to local markets more effectively.

Six Days of Intensive Visits Lay Foundation for Clinical and Industry Collaboration

Over the six-day, five-night visit, the delegation met with more than 11 key Dubai institutions, including government agencies, hospitals, investment groups, and science parks. The visits showcased Taiwan’s achievements in digital transformation, smart hospitals, and sustainable healthcare, while exchanges with leading Middle East medical institutions and industry platforms laid the groundwork for future international clinical collaboration and industrial partnerships.

Resource: 生策會杜拜六天五夜造訪11家指標機構 深化雙邊交流管道