Increased Uptake Of Surgical Disposables In Central And Eastern Europe

Main Category: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 28 Jul 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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As emerging markets look to raise the quality of their healthcare services, there has been a significant uptake of surgical disposables such as drapes, gowns, gloves and masks in central and eastern Europe. Ongoing education drives to spread awareness about hospital-related diseases have supported this trend.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan ( http://www.medicaldevices.frost.com), Central and Eastern European Surgical Disposables Markets, finds that the market earned revenues of $35.1 million in 2007 and estimates this to nearly triple by 2014 to reach $101.5 million.

"It is vital that every healthcare worker plays their part in minimising the risks of cross infection," notes Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Radha Sawhny "Accordingly, the surgical disposables market in central and Eastern Europe is poised for strong growth as uptake levels will increase significantly over the next five years."

Rising levels of awareness about preventative measures for healthcare-related infections have heightened progress in this market. Appropriate training and education to undertake decontamination and minimise the spread of disease is becoming increasingly common.

The market does however face the challenge of adhering to, and maintaining, EU standards of healthcare. As new eastern European member states join the EU, they are compelled to raise their healthcare standards to meet EU-mandated standards.

CE mark medical devices such as disposable drapes, gowns and masks have to be produced to a high quality, and this increases the manufacturing costs. This is posing a challenge to companies operating in this region, as they face the added challenge of the strong and entrenched market presence of Asian manufacturers.

"The major challenges that are affecting market expansion are tightening healthcare budgets and a pervasive preference for low-cost products," explains Sawhny. "These factors combine to drive the purchase of lower quality surgical disposables drapes, gowns, gloves and masks that may not be sufficiently effective in preventing the contraction of fatal diseases."

The development of the private healthcare market and the creation of greater awareness among patients and physicians with the help of educational initiatives will therefore be key to sustaining market momentum.

"High-quality and safe surgical disposables are not a low-cost option and the private healthcare sector is ideally placed to offer such alternatives to patients," concludes Sawhny.

Central and Eastern European Surgical Disposables Markets is part of the Medical Devices Growth Partnership Services Programme, which also includes research in the following markets: cardiovascular, wound care, surgical, orthopaedic and others. All research included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. Interviews with the press are available.

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