The elements of a successful healthcare delivery facility however, encompass cost management, availability of staffs, especially medical professionals and competitiveness are some of the other critical components. Studies have shown that well-designed patient environments contribute to faster recovery and better outcome. The increasing globalisation, institutional reforms and private sector participation have opened up tremendous business potential for architecture and design companies looking for regional expansion. There are also economic benefits for downstream sectors such as interior designers, urban planners, landscape architects, engineers, industrial designers, graphics designers, art consultants, sub-contractors etc.

The only event in Asia will bring together enterprising developers, operators and all others who are involved in the delivery of healthcare facilities and services, whether at strategic level or clinical practice, on a common platform as they exploit new business opportunities, consult with industry experts and gather information to help them make better informed decisions.

An international press briefing was held on 20th June at Pan Pacific Singapore in Singapore City, which was attended by health professionals and journalists from Asia and Western countries.

IHFEC 05 is lined up by a panel of distinguished keynote speakers and prominent experts in their specialised medical fields to speak and lead discussion under four main themes like (i) planning, design and build, (ii) healthcare information technology, (iii) environment and facilities management; (iv) healthcare management and investment. With the main theme "New Century Healthcare Creating World Class Healthcare Delivery Facilities in Emerging Markets", the IHFEC 05 conference is a learning platform for delegates. Health care providers and professionals will be able to seek for the latest information, keeping abreast of the international healthcare trends and technologies that impact the planning, design, construction and managing of healthcare facilities.

Among the keynote speakers, IHFEC has been privileged to invite renowned cardiologist and Director of the Duke Clinical Institute, Dr Robert Califf as well as veteran hospital CEO in USA, Dr Fred Brown. Dr Califf will share his insights into the 'Future Trends in Clinical Research' while Dr Brown, who is the chairman of the joint commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organisations (JCAHO), will speak on the topic 'Building Quality into Healthcare Facilities'.

IHFEC delegates can learn much from the Swiss experience in building and managing world class hospitals through Mr Peter Kappert, who is the president of the private Hospitals of Switzerland.

Proven concepts and strategies are another area of focus. Healthcare providers will benefit from the Symposium presented by the UK Trade & Investment on the success of the Private-Public Partnership (PPP) and analyse if such financial models can be adopted in this region.

Today, creating a healing environment is as important as the provision of advanced medical innovations for clinical outcome. IHFEC organisers are pleased to have invited the American Society of Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) to share their experiences on the key issues when developing building plans and sustainable design strategy.

The IHFEC conference also provides for a good mix of views, ideas and strategies as well as the issues and challenges facing hospitals in Asia. Dr Balaji Sadasivan, Senior Minister of Health, Republic of Singapore is one of the keynote speakers who will be presenting on the healthcare scene in Singapore and the surrounding region, which is very important for the participants from strategic level.

"IHFEC will provide an excellent platform for healthcare companies to gain insights into healthcare trends, network and market their products and services to an international audience." Said Mrs Tan Li Lin, Director, Lifestyle and Business Services, International Enterprise Singapore.

The Swiss House Singapore is a supporter of the IHFEC 05. This represents a unique opportunity to showcase the excellence of Swiss companies operating in the biomedical devices and healthcare providing field and to inform relevant partners in Asia.

The Asian healthcare landscape is changing in tandem with economic developments within the region. Higher life expectancies, an ageing Asian population and increased awareness of the benefits of better healthcare are key drivers for growth.

IHFEC 05, to be held at the Singapore Expo, is organised by Parkway Promotions Pte Ltd., a subsidiary company of Parkway Holdings Ltd, the largest private healthcare group in Asia and the international choice for patients for more than 35 years.

IHFEC 05 will assist the valued participants from different regions in formulating in market penetration strategies into Asia and the Middle East accordingly. By participating they can:

*Meet key decision makers, qualify buyers and discuss business needs in a neutral environment.

*Showcase their products and services, increase brand equity and generate sales needs.

*Facilitate closer relationships with the existing customers.

*Identify potential joint venture partners and form business alliances.

*Get insiders knowledge of the market and better understanding of buyers' needs.

* Evaluate and understand the impact of policy changes to health budgets and the marketplace.

*Gather market intelligence on competitors' products and services.

In total, IHFEC 05 is expecting to host some 600 regional and international delegates and 2000 trade visitors to the exhibition where 150 exhibitors will showcase their products and services.

Opportunities at IHFEC 2005 and Bangladesh perspective
In this digital age IHFEC 05 exhibition provides an effective way to conduct business face-to-face with the most valued customers.

It is the platform for the participants to reach hundreds of potential buyers, distributors, agents and strategic partners. The knowledge and the vibes they picked up will enable them to develop appropriate marketing framework to penetrate local and regional markets.

For developing countries like ours, IHFEC can play a major role in changing the scenario of healthcare facilities in the area. Investors can choose their right partners to set up world class healthcare facilities in our country. The private-public partnership can lower the burden of government providing healthcare. The management of clinical healthcare service in private level of different countries can be role model for Bangladesh. In our country, whereas there is almost no practice of proper planning to set up hospitals, international partnership can change the practice in the region.

Health tourism is the next big thing in Asia. Even in our neighbouring country like India, the healthcare market is estimated to bring in about US$ 300 million a year from some 10,000 foreign patients and generate at least US$ 1 billion a year by 2012. Bangladesh is a very good place to explore the healthcare facilities either by local initiative and investment or incorporation with foreign technical know-how and investors. The health tourism can contribute to the economy of the country by exploiting the emerging market of the country.