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. Canada is one of the world's richest medical equipment markets, although the size of the population limits its overall size, especially in relation to the USA. The Canadian market is the 7th largest in the world, in 2007. Per capita spending in 2007 is around US$142, a similar level of spending to that in Ireland or the Netherlands. Approaching 85% of the market is supplied by imports, principally from the USA.

Healthcare is funded principally through the public sector, and as such is a high government priority. Patients and healthcare professionals expect a high quality of provision, although the nature of public funding has tended to mean that the sector is perhaps less innovative than the USA. National planning has also proved difficult, with provincial governments responsible for health provision.

Concerns about the efficiency and modernity of the system have led to several major initiatives in recent years, not least the Ten Year Plan finalised in October 2004. This is a C$41 billion agreement between the national government and the provinces to fund improvements in a number of key areas, such as reducing waiting lists, boosting home care and improving access to primary care.

Local manufacturers are often very high tech, but tend to be small; Canada has no large medical companies. Given this, imports will continue to dominate the market. Aided by NAFTA, a common language and close proximity, US manufacturers are very strong in the market, a trend which can be expected to continue. European and Japanese suppliers can do well in the market, however, by demonstrating product quality and value for money.