The Medical Device Market: Thailand

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Medical Devices:

Espicom Business Intelligence
Management Report October 2007

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. Thailand was one of the hardest hit Asian countries following the 1998 economic crash, and the aftermath is still felt in a variety of areas, particularly in the private sector where many hospitals went bankrupt as a result. There is still uncertainty in Thailand, caused by the ousting of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra by a military coup in September 2006, and the disbanding of the dominant Thai Rak Thai political party and the five-year bans imposed on its party executives in May 2007.

Healthcare coverage is poor, particularly in rural areas. The present rate of 0.3 doctors per thousand population is one of the lowest in the world. Imports of medical equipment stood at US$378.2 million in 2005, a marked annual increase of 25.2%. The value of the market collapsed in the wake of the 1998 crisis, and in 1999 the figure stood at just US$135.1 million. In 2007, the Thai market for medical equipment and supplies is estimated at US$7 per capita. Overall market size is similar to New Zealand, while in per capita terms the market is similar to Colombia.

Market development in recent years has been characterised by domestic manufacturers increasing their market share at the expense of multinationals. Following the economic crisis, the cost of imports increased dramatically and local end-users switched to local suppliers. Demand for imports has since recovered and as of 2001, exhibited strong and sustained growth.

Healthcare sector development, which decelerated considerably as a result of the recession, has begun to pick up again spending-wise and was revived policy-wise with the introduction of the 30 baht universal healthcare scheme in 2001, and the universal healthcare scheme that replaced it in 2006. The private sector is also recovering, albeit slower. During the crisis, a reported 200 private hospitals went bankrupt. While the introduction of the 30 baht scheme was welcomed by many, it has also been criticised heavily for providing substandard treatment and the government’s focus in recent years has been on cost containment.

Recent political instability has affected investor confidence, but the country’s economy continues to perform well and remains one of the world’s most popular destinations for medical tourism.

Number of pages - 94

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