Business opportunities in Asian medical device equipment supply markets are very different from a few years ago. The traditional tiger economies, characterised by economic growth, free market environment, developed industry and investment in health and health infrastructure have had a long haul back from the financial instability and economic downturn in the 1990's.

Tiger Cubs?
At the same time, markets that had hitherto excited little industry or investor interest, have emerged as real areas of opportunity for suppliers and service companies alike. Diverse influences - from deregulation and better trade links to improved access and the rise of medical tourism - are seeing markets such as Malaysia and Vietnam take an increasingly important role in the region.

Sustained growth:
With established western markets maturing, serious attention is being paid to the countries where manufacturers can see significant long-term growth. However, effective planning is vital, and impartial, thoroughly researched business data is essential to fully appreciate the current market status as a basis for future development.

That is why Espicom Business Intelligence has published these new management reports The Outlook for Medical Devices in South East Asia to 2011. Each report provides 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. 8 Markets Covered!
Indonesia, Philippines, South Korea, Thailand,
Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam.
Highlights from the report. INDONESIA
The Indonesian market for medical equipment and supplies was valued at US$121 million in 2006, equal to just US$0.49 per capita. In overall market terms the total is similar to Kuwait and Vietnam, in per capita terms the total is similar to India and Bangladesh. Indonesia spends roughly 1.7% of total health expenditure on medical devices, equal to 0.04% of total GDP. The market accounts for around 0.07% of the total world market. Only the basic medical items are produced locally and the country is reliant on imports.

MALAYSIA
The Malaysian government is keen to develop its medical device manufacturing capability in order to remain competitive, but the country is still heavily reliant on imports, which have nearly doubled over the last five years. This trend is expected to continue in the foreseeable future, despite the government's ambitious plans to promote the manufacture of medical devices at the higher end of the technology scale. The Malaysian market for medical equipment and supplies is estimated at US$589 million in 2007, and recent trends suggest a positive outlook leading to 2012.

PHILIPPINES
The Philippines is one of the poorer countries in the ASEAN region, with GDP per capita estimated at US$1,250 in 2006. Health expenditure is also low, both in absolute terms and as a percentage of GDP. The country attracts a degree of overseas aid, although it is reportedly a difficult place in which to conduct healthcare projects. An exodus of medical staff overseas in pursuit of better wages and working conditions has put severe pressure on healthcare services.

SINGAPORE
The Singapore market for medical equipment and supplies was estimated at US$178 million in 2006, equal to US$41 per capita. Singapore's medical device market has been fairly resilient, with growth continuing throughout the period of financial instability towards the end of the last decade. Stable device import figures underline the fundamental strength of the market. Moreover, strong trade links with the US and EU have played a large part in this industry buoyancy. Owing to impressive import growth, a fairly steady economy and an ageing population, Espicom estimates the Singaporean market to exhibit annual average growth of around 9.1%.

SOUTH KOREA
Market demand for advanced and innovative medical devices is forecast to remain strong in 2007 and over the next several years as Korea's hospitals continue to purchase technology intensive products from abroad and increasing numbers of elderly Korean patients require sophisticated medical procedures. Espicom estimates the Korean market to exhibit annual average growth of 5.6%. Based on this rate, the market will be worth US$2.5 billion by 2011. Even so, the government continues to put pressure on medical equipment costs.

TAIWAN
Along with South Korea, Taiwan is one of the richer ‘Asian Tiger' economies. Per capita GDP is similar to New Zealand, and behind only Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia in the Asia-Pacific region. The economy contracted in the wake of the more general slowdown in 2001, but has since performed well again. A heavily used and under funded health insurance scheme has caused the government to initiate unpopular cost control reforms.

THAILAND
Espicom estimates real market growth to be around 5.7% per year, with the total likely to reach US$554 million by 2011. Per capita spending is estimated to be just over US$8 by 2011, the fourth lowest of the Asian Tigers. This figure may be revised downwards depending on the country's political situation following the military coup in September 2006. The economic downturn some years ago hit imports hard allowing the sizeable domestic production sector to grow.

VIETNAM
The medical device and supplies market is expected to expand steadily in Vietnam over the next few years, in line with the increasing value of imports, which account for just under 80% of the market. It is expected that the device market will continue to expand at an average rate of 10.4% per annum. This will take the Vietnamese market to US$419 million in 2012, or around US$5 per capita. 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
Healthcare organisations
Trade associations