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. Indonesia remains one of the poorest countries in South East Asia. The country lags behind in many areas of healthcare provision and the major recession experienced in 1998 as a part of the Asian crisis still affects economic prospects. The impact of the tsunami in 2004 has had a damaging effect on the economy and to date, rebuilding efforts have been slow, despite international aid, no thanks to bureaucracy and other problems.

Government funding for healthcare is low, estimated at around $3.6 billion in 2006 and the country continues to rely on international aid. Despite the present administration placing more emphasis on healthcare, funding, insufficient number of health professionals and bureaucratic problems are hampering development. There is a marked disparity in the standard of healthcare between rural and urban areas. The capital city Jakarta enjoys relatively good levels of primary care as well as a range of modern private specialist facilities, while healthcare coverage in remote regions tends to be insufficient. Many healthcare facilities, particularly in the Banda Aceh region were destroyed during the tsunami in late 2004 and despite foreign aid, rebuilding efforts have been slow, because of bureaucracy and other problems.

The bulk of the Indonesian medical device market is supplied by imports. Indonesia only produces a small number of low-tech medical items, such as surgical gloves, bandages, orthopaedic aids and hospital furniture. However, with the exception of 2000, the country has been a net exporter since the late 1990s. Prior to 1997, only Indonesian-owned companies were allowed to undertake import/export activities, wholesaling or retailing. Overseas companies are now allowed to engage in wholesaling activities, provided they first obtain a licence. In 1998, this relaxation was extended to the retailing of goods by foreign companies. It should be noted, however, that foreign companies are not allowed to both distribute and retail their products. Restrictions on the import and export of products still apply. Exports continue to rise as domestic production increases, particularly contact lenses which represent almost a quarter of the total, as well as electromedical equipment and hearing aids which also feature heavily.

The Indonesian medical device market was estimated to be worth US$121 million in 2006, equivalent to US$0.5 per capita, the latter being one of the lowest totals in the world.