Espicom's in-depth medical device market reports are ideal for executives wanting to understand the key drivers in medical markets and have access to a wealth of statistical data. Each report opens with an outlook section that provides analysis of the market, 5-year market forecasts, national data projections, market outlook and key developments such as regulation, health facilities and government policy. The report also provides extensive background information, population trends, health status, health expenditure, organisation & administration, hospital services, medical personnel, healthcare development, market access information, trade data and essential industry contacts. Included with the report are 3 free quarterly updated outlook reports, enabling you to keep up to date with market developments for a year. The medical device market in Austria is currently experiencing some structural changes. In March 2005, a new centralised health agency was formed in an effort to streamline the planning, control and financing of healthcare provision. This means that the purchasing of equipment is being taken away from individual hospitals and is now in the hands of a central agency and regional health platforms. This may prove to be a more efficient method of purchasing, as manufacturers will be able to broker national agreements rather than the current system. Private hospitals such as those run by convents usually co-ordinate their purchasing through one hospital. Private hospitals which are not part of a chain often go out to tender for equipment, every 6-12 months.

There are unlikely to be any major changes or reforms in the coming years that will have an effect on the medical devices market. This is due to the likelehood of a grand coalition government between the Social Democrats, the surprise winner of the recent elections, and the People's Party.

Domestic production of medical devices tends to be small scale and specialist in nature. Many large multinationals have established offices in Austria in order to take advantage of the country's close proximity to the emerging markets of central and eastern Europe.