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. Portugal remains one of the least developed countries within Western Europe. Despite the implementation of restructuring programmes, inefficiency within the healthcare sector remains a key concern for the government. Portugal's GDP per capita is the lowest in the EU-15 at around US$20,600 in 2007. Reform under the new government is set to concentrate on opening the health service to increased private investment and markedly reducing public expenditure.

Public hospitals are the principal end-users of medical equipment in Portugal, accounting for more than three quarters of the total market. Public sector procurement is very centralised. Consumables and supplies, including surgical requirements such as sutures and pacemakers, are purchased on a twice-yearly basis (April and October) by a central purchasing board acting on behalf of all public hospitals. This practice inevitably leads to very competitive pricing to obtain large orders. The Directorate General for Hospital Construction issues tenders for equipment required in new hospitals. Public hospitals tend to be relatively slow payers, taking an average of eight to nine months to settle bills. Hospitals in the private sector normally use the direct sales method and payment delays rarely occur. The appointment of a local agent for the Portuguese market is essential.

The majority of medical equipment sales are made by specialised importers and distributors. However, there has been a trend for more foreign companies to set up in Portugal to undertake direct control of product distribution.