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. Healthcare in Pakistan is still in the early stages of development. Widespread poverty and a weak health system underlie the poor health status of the population. Government funding continues to be minimal, equal to less than 3% of GDP and achieves little more than maintaining the status quo, while the problems of poor nutrition and sanitation are compounded by Pakistan's large and fast growing population. Other issues at the heart of the problem include the continuing prevalence of communicable diseases, low health manpower levels and the under utilisation of primary health facilities.

At the time of writing, the country was under ‘emergency rule' and political and social turmoil had gripped the nation. A general election is scheduled for January 2008, but the house arrest of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, the prevalent violence and the ongoing anti-government demonstrations across Pakistan, have drawn criticism from around the world, piling the pressure on President Musharraf to resolve the crisis or stand down. This has already led to consequences for the economy and until a semblance of order is restored, the situation remains precarious.

The medical device market remains tiny; very few hospitals are well-equipped, and healthcare provision throughout much of the country is rudimentary at best. A small private sector exists in the larger cities, but few can afford to use it. Pakistan does have a large, but fragmented, medical instrument manufacturing sector based in the Punjabi town of Sialkot. Production is often of very high quality, although manufacturers prefer to concentrate on lucrative export markets rather than the local one; most equipment used in Pakistan is imported.