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DH International: Overview

  • Last modified date:
    8 February 2007

Effective trade promotion is about robust networks, collaboration and co-operation. It is precisely because of this that the Department of Health International ( DHI ) has been revitalised to work with its partners in Government - Trade Partners UK ( now UK Trade and Investment ) - the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and industry - the Association of British Healthcare Industries, British Consultants & Construction Bureau, British Healthcare etc.

The NHS Modernisation programme, matched with world-class clinical practice, continues to attract real interest from other countries. DH International has been proud to organise and facilitate visits to many NHS and private healthcare facilities which have demonstrated the outstanding achievements which have been made. Industry has of course played a vital role in developing new technology and it is through these examples that DH International seeks to promote the best of British healthcare worldwide.

Industry view

Industry strongly promotes the view that Government services underpin the wider UK export efforts; indeed the healthcare sector is viewed as one where Government involvement is essential. The Department of Health  is therefore regarded as the 'official sponsor ' of the healthcare industry.

Representing the UK government in the healthcare sector

In order to deliver an effective and robust contribution to the international agenda, DH International undertakes a range of key roles.

DH International is a pivotal link between the international community, the NHS and the British healthcare industry.

Countries from all over the world recognise that the UK has world-class clinical practice and effective models of service offering universal care to all residents.

DH International organises the programmes for visiting health ministers and senior officials from overseas governments who are visiting the UK to see the NHS approach to particular issues re PFI, Primary Care etc.

The DH International team has arranged many inward missions during the last year and has been privileged and proud to showcase the best of the NHS.

Creating and maintaining links with the healthcare industry

DH International works very closely with key organisations essentially to provide the NHS / DH input. This includes membership on important committees of the Association of British Healthcare Industries, British Consulting and Construction Bureau  and British Healthcare.

Excellent relationships have now been forged with UK Trade and Investment  (formerly TPUK), and DH International now works with the health sector team on day-to-day issues where trade and health meet.

Overseas responsibilities

UK Trade and Investment ( part of DTI ) lead and support the export drive for the whole of industry. However, as part of our partnership roles across government, they look to DH International for the healthcare expertise.

UK Trade and Investment also requests DH International several times a year to contribute towards overseas country scoping missions with a view to advising the British healthcare industry on the marketing potential for healthcare products. These programmes are co-ordinated with the British Embassy in the country under review. They include visits to the Ministry of Health, hospitals, healthcare facilities and healthcare businesses. A report is then produced in order to advise the British healthcare industry of the potential for marketing in the particular country. DH International subsequently contributes to the seminar days for industry.

During the last year DH International has undertaken joint government/industry scoping missions in Thailand, Malaysia, China and Chile.

Promoting the NHS and the British healthcare industry

Enquiries from all over the world are now a regular feature of the daily workload for the DH International team. Enquiries range from product exports to international recruitment to providing information regarding building new hospitals overseas. DH International refers enquiries to other specialist departments when appropriate, for example recruitment.

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