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. Brazil's economic difficulties over the last few years resulted in the country's economy sliding from the eighth largest in the world in 1998 to the twelfth largest in 2007. However, the economy has since recovered, with real annual growth at 3.2% in 2007. Brazil is South America's largest economy, well ahead of Argentina.

The medical market ranks among the top ten in the world, although per capita expenditure barely scrapes into the top 50. The highest expenditure is in the large cities, such as Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro.

Domestic production is geared towards the local market and exports are comparatively low. Traditionally, the level of imports is low and has been volatile for the past few years. However, the appreciation of the local currency against the dollar and increasing bank credits to the healthcare sector is encouraging medical hospital modernisation in Brazil, particularly in private facilities.

Future growth is likely to be influenced by an increasing consumer demand for better medical care. The public sector is also modernising and upgrading obsolete equipment.