Frost: Growing African Demand for Medical Equipment Results in Hospital Revitalization Programs
December 15, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS
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The bulk of sub-Saharan Africa's hospital medical equipment is 'third world' in standard, according to Frost & Sullivan, because the equipment was installed many decades ago and does not conform to modern standards.
Governments, however, are now promoting hospital revitalization programs that are driving the medical equipment market in the region.
The lack of training on equipment operation and maintenance remains a concern for most hospitals. Increased support from suppliers in the form of training and more local presence is set to alleviate this problem and sustain demand, analysts said.
"The hospital medical equipment market in sub-Saharan Africa will be spurred largely by the demand for patient monitoring and diagnostic equipment," said Frost & Sullivan research analyst Ishe Zingoni. "Stronger end-user demand is projected within these segments in the short to medium term."
A high disease burden will be a major factor in expanding these two market segments. Analysts said the HIV/AIDS epidemic, in particular, is resulting in rapidly increasing patient numbers, exerting tremendous pressure on hospital medical equipment. Demand for medical imaging equipment will also surge due to the equipment upgrade exercises currently being implemented by African governments.
However, the shortage of skilled personnel to effectively operate and maintain medical equipment is often a strong deterrent to investment in specialized equipment, analysts said.
"Hospitals lack the necessary expertise to operate and maintain equipment and therefore limit such purchases," said Zingoni. "This challenge has traditionally been exacerbated by suppliers' lack of local presence within African markets. The lack of technical support from suppliers leads to chronic equipment failures."
Multinational suppliers who improve their local presence - either directly or indirectly through distributors - can take advantage of the opportunities this presents. Analysts said this would enable speedy attention to customer complaints and problems. Enhanced training and continuous support should also be offered to customers, thus limiting equipment breakdowns.
Source: Frost & Sullivan.