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. Israel's healthcare sector remains amid a period of uncertainty. The continuing political instability has been a significant factor in this malaise; healthcare policy has changed frequently and often faced widespread opposition. Progress within the sector is unlikely in the short term while government efforts are concentrated around the current dark state of Israeli-Palestine affairs.

The Israeli pharmaceutical market grew strongly in the 1990s, averaging around 10% per annum. Whether this level of growth continues, however, remains to be seen. Recent industry activity has been dominated by new legislation regarding drug pricing and parallel imports. After years of debate and delay new pricing regulations were implemented in June 2001, while legislation permitting the parallel trade of drugs was introduced in September 2000. Both reforms successfully overcame strong multinational opposition in the Supreme Court. This move marks a significant change in the relationship between multinationals and the regulatory authorities; traditionally the latter acted with the consent of the former with regard to major issues. In 2007, per capita expenditure on drugs in Israel was estimated at US$423, the highest level in the Middle East.

Fluctuations in healthcare budgets, where heavy cutbacks were reversed by the government in the face of widespread opposition by many industry professionals in 2003, have caused additional concern over the future of national healthcare after 2002 saw the first ever decrease of healthcare spending in local currency terms since 1998. Allocations for the health basket are seemingly in a constant state of uncertainty. On a more positive note, the pharmaceutical giant Teva continues to record impressive financial growth and has emerged as a key player in the Israeli economy. In addition, the country continues to enhance its burgeoning reputation in the field of biotechnology, and possesses first class research and development facilities.