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 Republic of Croatia is located in South-eastern Europe and its population stood at an estimated 4.6 million in 2006, of whom 15.6% was aged 65 or over. Once a prosperous part of Yugoslavia, Croatia was ravaged by fighting after declaring independence in 1991. The civil war which broke out between the Croats and the Serbian minority, who were later aided by the Serb dominated Yugoslav army, resulted in the country's economy plunging into chaos and the lucrative tourist trade collapsing. It also destroyed much of the infrastructure in the east of the country and created another problem as thousands of refugees massed, where towns and cities were destroyed.

Croatia has been able to resume talks with the EU regarding its accession prospects, following the arrest of the war crimes suspect General Ante Gotovina. It is hoping to become a member state by 2010. The government is aiming to bring the performance of the healthcare system into line with that of other EU member states through the National Health Strategy 2006-2011. The World Bank will provide funding for this if the closely linked Sustainable Health System Project is approved. Today funding for healthcare in Croatia is principally through the compulsory health insurance system.

Given the lack of domestic production of medical devices in Croatia, the reforms of recent years have been lucrative for overseas suppliers; imports rose strongly after the fighting diminished in 1993, although they have fluctuated since due to changing requirements under the various development projects the country has undertaken. Currently around 85% of the medical device market is supplied by imports. The general trend will continue to be upward, however, in this stable and relatively wealthy regional market.

Small purchases of medical equipment and supplies are usually made direct by hospitals and local health authorities. For larger items, a competitive tender is issued by the Institute for Health Insurance, which has an advisory panel to assess the requirements of the hospital sector. The appointment of a local distributor will therefore be essential, to navigate the tendering process and reach end-users throughout the country. A few larger companies, such as Astra or Dräger, have established their own local subsidiaries.