Health care company Abbott was the official sponsor for this year’s Saudi Food and Drug Authority Conference and Exhibition (SFDACE) 2019. The conference theme was “Consumer Engagement and Consumer-Centered Regulations” and took place between Sept. 30 and Oct. 2 in Riyadh.
Through this sponsorship, Abbott aimed at maintaining and enhancing its presence in the Kingdom and highlighting its range of innovative health care products. This goes in line with the advances introduced in the Ministry of Health’s strategic health plan, as part of Saudi Vision 2030.
Abbott General Manager in Saudi Arabia Imad Mousa said: “We were delighted to participate in the SFDACE event for the third consecutive year. Our aim is to continue to support the Kingdom’s strategic health plan and work alongside the Ministry of Health in order to raise health care standards. We are proud of our long history in the Kingdom which extends over more than 75 years. During this time, we have introduced a wide range of life-changing technologies and products that have played an important role in improving people’s lives.”
Abbott had a dedicated booth at the SFDA’s exhibition where it showcased its latest innovative medical solutions. The company also participated in panel discussions and workshops, discussing medical devices clinical trials and highlighting the latest medical technology that protects patients.
Dr. Yana Pozhidaeva, associate director clinical quality assurance at Abbott, gave a workshop on “Generation of Clinical Evidence for Medical Devices,” whereas Samir Shah, divisional vice president for software product development, gave a presentation on “Cardiac Device Cybersecurity — Commitment to Patient Protection.”
Abbott has been a fervent advocate of the Saudization program. As part of its commitment to Saudization, 40 percent of the company’s medical representatives who joined its pharmaceuticals division this year were Saudis, with plans to have a 100 percent Saudi sales force within the division by 2021.
The company also launched a university relations program, with four different universities and colleges across the Kingdom.
By virtue of the program, Abbott collaborates with these academic institutions to hold summer training programs and yearly internship waves for students to increase their awareness of potential career options in the health care sector.
