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. Hungary is one of the most dynamic economies in the former Soviet bloc. A relatively liberal regime throughout the 1980s meant that Hungary has been at the forefront of the economic and political reforms which have swept Eastern Europe since 1989. The country was among the first Eastern European countries to join the European Union in May 2004.

Medical equipment exports have risen rapidly over the past few years as the demand for Hungarian products has increased within Western Europe and beyond. This has been to the detriment of former trading partners in Eastern Europe. Imports from Western Europe have also increased, to the detriment of Eastern European suppliers.

All imported products are required to go through a local distributor, usually one which has been approved by the Institute for Medical and Hospital Engineering (ORKI). This is by far the best method, since local distributors can handle the product approval process while making initial marketing arrangements. There are now a large number of small distributors in operation, although it is reportedly best to select one which has been in existence for several years.

One of the key features of Eastern European health systems after the revolution was the sudden freedom enjoyed by hospitals to make their own purchases, after decades of central planning. This initially led to chaos, as hospitals made uncoordinated and often ill-advised purchasing decisions. In Hungary, hospitals still have a free hand to make purchases of recurrent supplies, as long as they remain within their budgets. For larger items, known as investment spending, any expenditure must be authorised by the owner of the particular hospital. This is usually local government, although for larger facilities it will be the central government.