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. Greece is one of the least affluent members of the European Union, but is still considerably richer than its immediate neighbours. Greece is showing signs of recovering from the large budget deficit incurred as a result of holding the Olympics in 2004. The deficit has been cut to a forecast 2.5% in 2007 from the 7.9% recorded in 2004, the government's target is to reduce the deficit to less than 1.6% in 2008.

There are a large number of doctors working within Greece, providing good hospital coverage. Current primary care provision is weak; increased investment is a government objective. The majority of hospitals in the public sector and are under-funded. Private clinics are well-funded but high value equipment tends to be imported in public and private healthcare sectors. Imports supply approximately 94.9% of the domestic market. In 2006, total imports of medical devices amounted to US$1,149.8 million. The value of imports increased by 30.2% between 2005 and 2006, also increasing by 99.4% between 2002 and 2006.

The vast majority of companies active in the field of medical devices in Greece are involved in the supply and distribution of scientific and medical equipment. Domestic producers concentrate on medical supplies, which are typically low value / high quantity products. As a result, domestic production data in many segments is more likely than not to remain confidential.

Being a member of the EU, Greece is governed by EU regulations concerning the active implantable devices, medical devices and in-vitro diagnostic devices. Although the National Organisation for Medicines is the competent authority, there is only one notified body in Greece to conduct CE tests.