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. In 2007, the size of the German market for medical equipment and supplies is estimated at US$151 per capita. It is the largest market in Europe, although per capita spending is higher in neighbouring markets such as Switzerland. The market constitutes 3.9% of total healthcare expenditure, 0.4% of GDP and 6.4% of the world market. Although domestic production could supply the domestic market, 76.3% of it is supplied by imports.

According to BVMed (Bundesverband Medizintechologie e.V.), the medical device industry is experiencing a slowdown in R&D investment. This may result in fewer new products reaching the domestic market, although the export market of German medical devices has remained relatively untouched by domestic concerns. This has been evidenced by the continual growth of German medical device exports throughout the world. Germany has a history of producing high quality medical equipment. Approximately 85% of domestic production is exported to a wide range of countries.

Due to ongoing health and social reforms, the level of hospital expenditure remained static in 2005. This is going to have an impact on future hospital investment, as hospitals are unlikely to invest in new equipment, but will maintain existing equipment instead which will prove to be a growth area. The change in government with the main two opposing parties forming a coalition government will mean that the pace of reform is minimised. An additional result of the new coalition government is that it is unlikely that any major reform will be passed through government.

The first effects of the Statutory Health Insurance (SHI) Competition Strengthening Act, effective from the 1st July 2007, on the country's healthcare sector is yet to be seen.