The Medical Device Market: Cuba

Abstract

There is virtually no private sector activity in Cuba, so any firm wishing to export to Cuba will need to deal with the Cuban government almost exclusively as both regulator and purchaser. This report is ideal for executives wanting to understand the key drivers in the medical market and have access to a wealth of statistical data, including five-year market projections. Included with the report are 3 free quarterly updated outlook reports, enabling you to keep up to date with market developments for a year.

Cuba is one of the world' s last unreconstructed communist countries. Ruled since the 1950s by Dr Fidel Castro, Cuba has attempted none of the economic reforms implemented in eastern Europe or even China. Despite this, the country has a reputation for the quality of its health services and health indicators, and has an impressive pharmaceutical/biotechnology research sector. This reputation is deserved in part, but conceals an ageing healthcare system in increasingly dire need of restructuring and modernising, none of which can be achieved without greatly increased funding. There is some evidence of a reduction in bed numbers in recent years, although whether this is due to planned reform or a lack of operating capital is unclear.

During the Cold War, Cuba, a major Soviet ally, remained a largely closed market to the West. During the 1990s, however, many countries in the West established links with the country. A large number of Chinese companies are present in the market.

The USA, virtually alone, maintains its embargo against Cuba. This is starting to hurt US healthcare firms, as companies based in Asia, Canada and Western Europe have the high-tech market to themselves. The international healthcare industry is taking an increasing interest in Cuba, which in turn has made efforts to integrate into the global marketplace in an attempt to realign its geopolitical position and attract new funding for its healthcare system.

There is virtually no private sector activity in Cuba, so any firm wishing to export to Cuba will need to deal with the Cuban government almost exclusively as both regulator and purchaser. During the 1990s, Cuba created a regulatory framework which is increasingly based on international standards and precedents. Price and aftersales service are likely to be the key considerations when negotiating sales.

Cuba has a number of companies engaged in the import/export and distribution of medical supplies. These rarey specialise, dealing with pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and other healthcare products. Principal among these are Medicuba and Servimed.

MARKET OUTLOOK

• Current market size
• Unique 5-year market projections
• Market outlook
• Market structure
  • Including statistical data on imports and exports
• Market developments
  • Covering recent and impending developments with respect to key issues such as regulation, health facilities and government policy
• Key national data projections

BACKGROUND DATA

• Population data, including growth trends and age structure
• Demographic indicators detailing principal causes of death and morbidity

HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

• Health expenditure
• Hospital services
  • Hospital data such as beds by type, region, specialty, patient admissions, occupancy and surgical procedures
• Outpatient care
• Medical personnel
  • Data on healthcare professionals covering such areas as doctors by specialty, nursing staff and dentists

ACCESSING THE MEDICAL MARKET

• Regulatory environment
• Distribution guide and trade fair information
• Domestic production

CONTACT DETAILS

For healthcare organisations and trade associations.

Compelling reasons to buy this Espicom market report

Espicom is a leading provider of market and company information for business. In addition to this analysis, Espicom provides detailed management reports on over 70 established and emerging medical markets around the world.

• Includes - FREE - three quarterly updated outlook reports on the Cuban medical device market
• Unique and original market forecasts
• Insightful interpretation of market trends and developments
• Over 25 years continuous medical device and equipment market experience
• A team of full-time researchers and analysts
• Unbeatable access to primary sources
• Independent and impartial
• Formats to suit every distribution need and budget