East European demand for surgical disposables forecast to treble
The rise in the quality of healthcare services in emerging markets has led to 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.
According to new analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Central and Eastern European Surgical Disposables Markets, the market earned revenues of US$35.1m (€22.3m) in 2007, a figure that is forecast to nearly triple by 2014 to reach $101.5m (€64.4m).
‘It is vital that every healthcare worker plays their part in minimising the risks of cross infection,’ said 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.
However, adhering to and maintaining EU standards of healthcare requires new Eastern European member states to use CE mark medical devices such as disposable drapes, gowns and masks. These 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 strong and entrenched market presence of Asian manufacturers.
‘The major challenges affecting market expansion are tightening healthcare budgets and a pervasive preference for low-cost products,’ explained 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,’ Sawhny concluded.