Espicom's in-depth pharmaceutical market reports are ideal for executives wanting to understand the key drivers in pharmaceutical 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, pricing/reimbursement, intellectual property, 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 for raw materials and finished products 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. With a population of around 7 million, Hong Kong is really a city state, but the high level of wealth means that its healthcare provisions are of the very highest standard. Along with Singapore, Hong Kong ranks as one of Asia's most prosperous economies. The territory acts as a hub for trade throughout the region, and especially as a conduit for trade in and out of the People's Republic of China, although this role has arguably lost some of its importance due to the rapid economic development on the mainland.

Hong Kong's healthcare system was severely tested by the outbreak of SARS in 2003 and led to efforts being implemented to strengthen the system in the event of a reoccurrence. Understandably, infectious disease prevention is a key focus of various investment and training programmes. Authorities are on alert with a confirmed case of human bird flu in March 2007. Waiting lists and financial constraints in particular have affected healthcare development in recent years, with the main emphasis being on cost containment, greater involvement of the private sector and increased patient contributions.

The pharmaceutical market is limited by the size of the population, but is receptive to use of the latest drugs. The healthcare system remains organised along similar lines to that in the UK, with similarly high levels of care. There is a significant level of local manufacturing, although this is restricted to cheap generic products. Advanced drugs tend to be imported.