Health & Education

Washington, D.C., May 19, 2011— What will the future of private health care in emerging markets look like? Experts from around the world are attending next week’s IFC International Private Health Care Conference to find out.

The theme of the conference is “The Road Ahead: What Next for Emerging Market Private Health Care?” About two hundred participants from 20 countries are attending the event at the Washington Marriott Hotel, 1221 22^ndSt, NW, Washington, DC.

Key topics will include the challenges of investing across borders in emerging markets; expanding the client base to reach more patients; changing care through technological innovation; the role of the private health sector in medical education; improving business performance through better corporate governance; and how to deal with the threat of counterfeit medicines.

“The IFC health conference is taking place at a time when the private health sector in developing countries is experiencing considerable change and expansion,” said Atul Mehta, IFC Director, Global Manufacturing, Agribusiness, and Services. 

“Private health can make a significant contribution to development in emerging market countries, especially by increasing access to services for low- and middle-income people,” Mehtaadded.

Speakers will include Hank Kearney, President, PHM International; Curtis Schroeder, CEO, Intermedika(formerly CEO, Bumrungrad Hospital, Thailand); and top executives of leading health companies from emerging and developed markets.

Participants are looking at different approaches that health care organizations are employing to:

• raise standards
• improve efficiency
• drive growth through partnerships
• acquire international health accreditation
• enter new markets

Panel discussions and presentations by leading analysts and practitioners will provide information for decision-makers on competing in the global marketplace.

IFC is helping client companies in developing countries expand access to services and improve standards of quality and efficiency while also facilitating the international exchange of best practice.

To date, IFC has provided financing of more than $1.9 billion to 149 private health care and life sciences projects in 53 countries. Currently, IFC has 73 active projects across all regions in these sectors. Our health projects treat about 7.9 millions patients annually.

Contact:
Ludi Joseph
Sr. Communications Officer, IFC
Department of Manufacturing, Agribusiness, & Services
E-mail: ljoseph@ifc.org
Website: www.ifc.org/che