By Mr. Eric YAU and Ir Stanley SIU

The 76^th China International Medical Equipment Fair (CMEF) was held from 29^th October to 1^st November 2016 in Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Centre. It was the largest fair of medical equipment, related products and services in the Asia-Pacific region. The fair covered 15,000 products including medical imaging equipment, surgical equipment, In-Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) device, rehabilitation device, telemedicine and medical consumables. About 4,000 medical device manufacturers from over 24 countries participated in the event and showcased advanced technologies and products to visitors and buyers from all over the world. The Biomedical Division formed a team of sixteen members to visit CMEF.

With the theme “The Digital Era of Healthcare”, the exhibition displayed various advanced technologies including web-based products, big data and genetic testing. It provided a platform for demonstrating the application of computing technology and Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) in healthcare system for improving healthcare quality via communication, data storage, working efficiency.

A number of emerging technologies were demonstrated in the exhibition. Surgical navigation system allowed correlation of a patient’s coordinates with preoperative/intraoperative digital medical imagery. Another highlight was video endoscopy, which generated 3D structure of the surgical site. By generating images from two slightly different perspectives via a pair of parallel optical channels, 3D images were visualised on display monitor with the aid of 3D glasses which enhanced precision and depth of vision for surgery. In addition, barcode medication administration system for infusion devices was displayed which was able to minimise medication error. Doctor's prescriptions were encoded in barcodes which were scanned for programming the infusion devices. In case of incorrect dosage was inputted, a built-in drug library would prompt alarm to clinicians.

Nowadays the rising cases of senior care and chronic illnesses pose pressing need on medical technologies. With more manufacturers joining the healthcare industry, significant advancement of medical technologies and healthcare facilities was observed. Higher demand on the supporting and management of healthcare facilities, in particular the quest of professional clinical engineers and biomedical technicians, would be expected.