The Outlook for Medical Device Markets in the Middle East is published by Espicom Business Intelligence. Each report provides an individual and highly-detailed analysis of each market, looking at the key regulatory, political, economic and corporate developments in the wider context of market structure, service and access. The reports are available individually or as a discounted collection. 6 Key Markets Covered!
Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait,
Saudi Arabia and UAE. Highlights from the region: SAUDI ARABIA
The Saudi economy relies heavily on the price of oil; if prices are high, the markets remain strong. If, however, oil prL38ices fall, the markets contract and the economy slows down. It has also been known to cause late payment to creditors.

Under the Sixth Development Plan, the healthcare sector expanded rapidly and the government hopes to sustain that growth by investing in construction and other projects. In 2005 alone, US$448 million was allocated to the construction and renovation of health facilities. It must be noted however, that tertiary sector hospitals are highly advanced; the Development Plans are generally aimed at improving primary healthcare provision.

Saudi Arabia has no official standard for medical products, but the majority of physicians are trained to Western standards and will want to use the best equipment available. Foreign companies must have a local agent and tariffs apply to some medical equipment.

KUWAIT
Kuwait is a small, oil-rich state in the Persian Gulf. It is one of the more politically liberal states in the region and has strong ties with the West.

The country has a well-developed hospital sector, much of which was redeveloped following the conflict in 1990/91; hospital renovation is ongoing although primary care provision is still lacking. Around 80% of the healthcare sector is run by the government, either directly by the Ministry of Health or through facilities administered by public oil companies.

Kuwait has an unusual demographic profile, with the ‘local' population outnumbered by overseas workers; nearly three-quarters of the workforce is of foreign origin. However, expatriate workers tend to be highly-skilled, bringing modern, Western techniques to the Kuwaiti healthcare system, therefore enhancing its development.

EGYPT
The Egyptian healthcare system has been in a transitory period for some time, and while this should eventually result in a more modernised, efficient system, the delay has allegedly caused standards to slip in the public sector.

Recent economic uncertainty has restricted the growth of the market. In addition to this, some government policies, aimed at transforming the economy into one that is increasingly open, globablised and market-oriented, have been unpopular, slowing the pace of reform and restricting the market still further.

Egypt imported US$229.3 million of medical devices in 2005, more than half of which was medical equipment (HS9018). Imports have fluctuated in recent years, but followed a general upward trend.

JORDAN
Jordan is a small but strategically located country in the Middle East, which borders Israel, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Although it lacks the oil reserves of many of its neighbours and is relatively poor in comparison, it boasts good links with the West and is a key player on the local political scene.

Both the government and private sector are committed to upgrading and modernising Jordan's healthcare provision. The country has a reputation in the region for its high standards of services provided. New public and private hospitals have been expanding and upgrading in recent years, providing good opportunities for companies in the provision of medical equipment.

There is little in the way of domestic production although there are a number of local manufacturers producing basic medical equipment and consumables, including Arab Medical & Scientific Alliance, Burgan Drugstores, Jordan Medicare Corporation and Medeast Import and Consultancy Agency.
..... FOR EVERY MARKET MARKET OUTLOOK
Current market size
Unique 5-Year market projections to 2012
Market outlook
Market structure
Statistical data on imports and exports
Market developments, covering recent and impending developments with respect to key issues such as regulation, health facilities, funding and
government policy
Key national data projections
International market comparisons


FOR EVERY MARKET,

BACKGROUND DATA
Population data, including growth trends and age structure
Demographic indicators detailing principal causes of death and morbidity

HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Organisation & administration
Health expenditure
Expenditure by source of funding and type
Hospital services
Hospital data such as beds by type, region, specialty, patient admissions and surgical procedures
Outpatient care
Medical personnel
Data on healthcare professionals covering such areas as doctors by specialty, nursing staff and dentists

ACCESSING THE MEDICAL MARKET
Regulatory environment
Distribution guide and trade fair information
Domestic production

CONTACT DETAILS
For healthcare organisations and trade
associations