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Global Healthcare Forum focuses on talent and innovation in Irish life sciences

130 global healthcare executives from 22 countries in Dublin for Global Healthcare Forum

Enterprise Ireland is hosting this three-day event, which will be attended by 77 Irish life sciences companies

A major international healthcare forum, which will see leading global executives from 22 countries across the world meet with Irish innovators, kicks off this morning in the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.  

Hosted by Enterprise Ireland, the three-day Global Healthcare Forum will see more than 130 leading global executives from across 22 countries, from both the public and private sector, discuss the future of healthcare and meet with 77 of Ireland’s life science innovators.

The conference provides an opportunity for international healthcare systems to discuss what comes next after the pandemic and the role of innovation in improving patient outcomes. The healthcare system in various global locations will be profiled. This is a unique opportunity for Irish companies to understand the challenges currently faced by healthcare systems across the world and the opportunities they may have to partner now and into the future.

Speakers at today’s conference include:

Chris Coburn, Chief Innovation Officer with Mass General Brigham, the largest healthcare provider in Massachusetts and one of the largest hospital-based research organisations in the USA with an annual research budget of nearly $2 billion.

Professor Yvonne Doyle, Medical Director, NHS Public Health. Yvonne has acted as Statutory Adviser to two Mayors of London. She qualified as a doctor and has worked for over 30 years in senior roles in the NHS and the UK Department of Health, and in the academic and independent sectors.

Dr. Tad Funahashi, Chief Innovation & Transformation Officer, Kaiser Permanent, one of the largest non-profit healthcare providers in the US, with more than 12 million members.

Dr Ibtesam Al Bastaki, Director of Healthcare Investment & PPP Projects, Dubai Health Authority that has the mission of transforming Dubai into a leading healthcare destination by fostering innovative and integrated care models and by enhancing community engagement. 

Daniela Hommel, Chief Financial Officer and Innovation & Strategy Executive, Helios Global Health GmbH, Europe’s largest healthcare provider with acute care facilities in Germany, Spain and Latin America.

Dr Prem Kumar Nair, CEO, IHH Healthcare Singapore, one of the world's largest healthcare networks, with 80 hospitals in 10 countries including Malaysia, Turkey and Singapore.

Speaking in advance of the event, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD, said:

“This Forum is a great opportunity for global healthcare leaders to meet in Ireland and discuss the future of patient care and innovative new treatments. It will also be a good opportunity for global healthcare leaders to see our vibrant Irish Life Sciences sector at first hand. The Life Sciences ecosystem brings together medical institutions, third-level research and entrepreneurs, and is producing cutting-edge innovation to make a real difference to patients across the globe. It’s also a power-house for job creation and a vital part of the Irish economy.”

Leo Clancy, CEO, Enterprise Ireland, said:

“Enterprise Ireland is proud to bring this important Global Healthcare Forum to Ireland.  Our Life Sciences sector has a global reputation for innovation and quality and this three-day event will allow over 70 Irish companies to showcase their innovation and research plans to over 130 leading global healthcare executives.  It is an important event, demonstrating international recognition of the strength of this sector in Ireland and its central role in tackling global healthcare challenges and working towards improving patient outcomes.” 

Following today’s conference, attendees will spend the next two days meeting healthcare providers, innovators and entrepreneurs to discuss the future of healthcare in Ireland and globally, and to see the difference that Irish life science companies are making.

On Wednesday (15th June) the group will be in Galway and Offaly, and the itinerary includes a tour of Tullamore Hospital, led by the HSE’s Digital Transformation Unit, and meetings with key stakeholders in the Irish healthcare innovation ecosystem.  This includes Atlantic Technological University's Innovation Hub (iHub), BioInnovate, Health Innovation Hub Ireland, and a site tour of Enterprise Ireland supported company Aerogen which specialises in aerosol drug delivery.

On Thursday, the group will visit St James’s Hospital, Dublin, with the focus on its digital health innovation. They will also meet with senior leadership from innovation hubs based in Dublin, hosted by the Guinness Enterprise Centre, and tour Enterprise Ireland supported companies HealthBeacon and Trulife.

On both days Irish life sciences companies will have an opportunity to showcase and pitch their innovation offering to the visiting delegates.