The Medical Device Market: Serbia

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Medical Devices:

Espicom Business Intelligence
Management Report December 2006

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. Serbia has overcome many of the political and economic problems it faced following the break-up of the former Yugoslavia. Although challenges still exist for the Serbian government, a number of developments have assisted Serbia in strengthening its economy and political stability. The government is Western-leaning and actively seeking membership of the EU, NATO and the World Trade Organisation.

The healthcare system however, remains in a poor condition. It is over-resourced in terms of medical personnel and much of its equipment is outdated. Nevertheless, improvements are gradually taking place with foreign investment, such as loans from the European Agency for Reconstruction, helping to refurbish or develop new health centres. The health system in Serbia is funded primarily by the Republican Health Insurance Fund (HIF). In theory, the insurance scheme provides universal coverage and reimburses a wide range of services. The generous packages in additional to non-payments by farmers and the self-employed have led to financial difficulties in the fund, however. The government is considering raising out-of-pocket expenditure to reduce the deficit. The private healthcare sector is slowly expanding, although currently it only serves a wealthy minority.

In 2006, the Serbian market for medical equipment and supplies is estimated at US$157 million, or US$15 per capita. It is expected that the device market will continue to expand at a rate of 15.7% per annum. Around 90% of the medical device market is supplied by imports, due in part to the implementation of health reforms that increased the demand for new equipment. Most imports are sourced from Germany and Italy, which accounted for over 40% of imports in 2004. Imports fell substantially in 1999, as a result of the NATO aerial bombing and propaganda campaign. They have gradually increased in value since 2000. New medical device legislation based on EU directives was introduced in September 2004. The regulations require manufacturers to update their facilities in accordance with GMP standards within five years, dating from the enforcement of the Law on Medicinal Products and Medical Devices.

Number of pages - 74

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