Iran has emerged as a significant player in the global medical device industry, with exports totaling approximately $50 million annually and reaching 40 countries worldwide. This revelation comes from Ahmad Moslemi, who emphasized the substantial growth witnessed in the sector over the past five years.

Moslemi highlighted a fivefold increase in the number of manufacturing companies, now totaling around 2,000 entities. Correspondingly, the variety of medical products has expanded fourfold, including advanced medical devices and implants. Furthermore, Iran's medical infrastructure has seen notable enhancements, with the addition of 15,000 hospital beds, 90 percent of which are equipped with locally manufactured equipment.

In an effort to showcase the nation's advancements in medical technology, the 25th international exhibition of medical, dental, pharmaceutical, and laboratory equipment, dubbed Iran Health Expo 2024, is set to take place from May 18 to 21 at the Tehran Permanent International Fairgrounds. This event aims to foster the development of health technologies within Iran, bolster the global competitiveness of Iranian knowledge-based companies, and facilitate the expansion of exports in the health sector.

Iran Health Expo 2024 will feature participation from both domestic and foreign companies, with manufacturers constituting 40 percent of attendees. Among the goals of the exhibition are the exchange of experiences in health technology development, attraction of foreign investments in the healthcare field, and the formation of domestic and international technological consortia.

The event will serve as a platform to showcase Iran's latest achievements across various medical fields, including medical engineering, dental, ophthalmic, and orthopedic equipment, pharmaceuticals, and home care products, among others. Notably, it will host 240 foreign delegates and 55 foreign companies from 12 countries, including Germany, Italy, and Switzerland.

Iran's Union of Medical Equipment Manufacturers and Exporters, led by Abdolreza Yaqoubzadeh, underscores the nation's self-sufficiency in medical equipment production, with over 70 percent of medical devices and all normal hospital beds being domestically manufactured. Yaqoubzadeh also highlights Iran's capability in producing technologically advanced medical equipment, such as ICU and CCU beds, and operating room devices, the majority of which are manufactured locally.

This surge in domestic production aligns with Iran's strategy to reduce reliance on imports, as articulated by Heidar Mohammadi, the head of the Food and Drug Administration. Mohammadi notes a 300 percent increase in pharmaceutical and medical equipment exports in the first four months of the past Iranian calendar year, attributing it to the support provided through subsidies.

Despite the positive strides, challenges remain, particularly concerning the shortage of certain pharmaceuticals domestically. However, with more than 227 knowledge-based firms contributing to the supply of medical equipment across the country, Iran is poised to further solidify its position in the global medical device market.