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. Government investment has resulted in an improved health sector in Iran, with modernised services and facilities being built annually. Ownership of hospitals is evenly split between the public and private/charity sectors but can be fragmented due to lack of co-ordination between agencies. A series of Development Plans, spanning consecutive five-year periods from 1990, have aimed to rejuvenate Iran's health sector by raising hospital bed and personnel numbers, building primary healthcare facilities, improving family planning and immunisation rates, focusing on care of the elderly and prevention of non-communicable diseases, reforming the state medical insurance scheme and social welfare systems in addition to attracting foreign investment. However, there is no firm evidence of the success of these measures.

Iran's medical device market appears to have no coherent regulatory framework and Iranian buyers are very thorough in evaluating products for purchase. It is therefore advised that overseas firms appoint a local distributor to undertake negotiations as they are aware of the most convenient method of doing business. Foreign firms, especially US-based companies, find it difficult to operate in Iran due to tense international relations and find themselves distributing their products via these agents, or even via neighbouring countries such as the UAE. Local agents represent companies from as far afield as Denmark, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the UK and the US. Alternatively, companies can operate from the Kish Island Free Trade Zone, where 100% foreign ownership is permitted. Major government contracts are made through tenders issued by the relevant ministry.

Despite having a population larger than the UK, the Iranian market for medical devices is relatively small, especially in per capita terms. The market is expected to rise steadily over the next few years, due to both continued investment in the healthcare system and low levels of domestic production resulting in reliance on imported goods.

Continued healthcare investment may prove to be an opportunity for the Iranian medical device market. However, foreign investment and international aid could now be in jeopardy with the restarting of the controversial nuclear development programme. The creation of a coherent regulatory framework and the clarification of procedures could attract investors. Expansion of domestic production capabilities would also boost the market and lessen Iran's reliance on overseas imports. Imports account for at least 95% of the market, despite the manufacture of basic consumable items such as syringes, needles & catheters, dental instruments & fittings and orthopaedic appliances. Imports were valued at US$255.2 million in 2004, with Germany and the UK being the leading suppliers. Electromedical equipment, X-ray apparatus and orthopaedic & prosthetic appliances were the most significant import sectors.