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. Turkey is neither considered truly European nor Middle Eastern but is somewhere in between, although formal EU accession talks are now underway. Given Turkey's generally pro-Western stance in economic matters, European and US manufacturers should have little problem in placing their products on the market. Products to be imported must first be authorised by the Turkish Standards Institution (TSE). In general, medical devices which are on free sale in the US or European Union may be freely sold in Turkey, although since 1996, importers of medical equipment have had to comply with ISO 9000, or US/EU equivalent. Turkey has had a customs union with the EU since 1996. National procedures are typically complex and time consuming, largely due to a weighty bureaucratic system. Regulatory requirements are fairly extensive, in contrast to the norm in the Middle East sector.

Turkey was the first country whose Ministry of Health concentrated on preventative measures, resulting in falling morbidity and mortality rates and improving demographic indicators. Expansion of the health sector has been sluggish in recent years after funds were diverted for regeneration of areas affected by the earthquakes of 1999. However, various projects are in place to remedy this situation and there are signs that healthcare provision is more easily accessible and of a better quality.

Although Turkey has a higher level of domestic production than other regional markets, it still relies heavily on imported medical equipment and supplies. Turkey exports small amounts of medical equipment to many countries, with Germany, France, Belgium and the UK being leading destinations. Espicom estimates the Turkish market for medical devices to be worth US$1,314 million in 2006, equal to US$18 per capita. This makes it the largest market in the region, and just inside of the top 20 medical device markets in the world.