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. During the last five years Chile's economy has generally performed well. Reforms have improved living standards of its 15.4 million population over neighbouring countries, although unemployment remains high at around 10%. Chile faces the traditional problems of poverty, environmental conditions and infectious diseases associated to developing countries, together with other problems more associated to the developed world, including an ageing population and chronic illnesses.

As in much of Latin America, healthcare provision is a complex mixture of public, private and social insurance, although the current government is implementing plans aimed at creating a more efficient public system. Chile has a relatively well-developed system of private health insurance, the ISAPRE system, although this has been hit financially in recent years.

“Equity, participation, solidarity and quality” are the four pillars of the Chilean Healthcare Planning Objectives 2000-2010. This is a major step to strengthen the primary care system, enforce and expand the AUGE programme, improve IT health systems and improve management and auditing needs.

Chile produces very little medical equipment, so the market is largely supplied by imports. The USA is the dominant supplier, accounting for 40% of imports each year. The European Union supplies a further 25-30%, of which Germany accounts for half. The best way to enter the Chilean market is through a well-established import company. The market is relatively small, and much emphasis is placed on personal contacts when selling to end-users. While the national health service is the leading purchaser of medical devices in Chile, mainly through tenders, it also encourages hospitals to make many of their own purchases. The reputation and market position of a product will be the greatest influences over purchasers' buying decisions. Importing into Chile is reportedly not difficult. Most products require import licences, but these are normally granted as a matter of routine.