Abstract
The Philippines has some domestic capacity to produce basic hospital items,
but the majority of the market is supplied by imports. 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.
Includes 3 quarterly updated outlook reports!
The Philippines is one of the poorest countries of south east Asia. Impressive
pre-crisis growth rates created a relatively wealthy middle class in the
Manila/Quezon City region, and it is here that the best medical facilities are
to be found. Elsewhere, the health situation of the population remains poor.
Localised but severe outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as cholera, are
frequent, and access to adequate healthcare in poor areas remains limited.
Many hospitals, especially outside the prestigious facilities in Manila, lack
adequate equipment. Limited budgets mainly have to be spent on personnel and
recurrent items, leaving little room for smaller facilities to improve their
stock of medical equipment.
The gradual extension of the Medicare insurance system should improve the
general situation, as it will encourage people to seek treatment, and should
provide hospitals with more income in order to improve their services.
Administration of the health sector is highly devolved to local government
units. This can make planning and co-ordination difficult. Between 50% and 60%
of healthcare expenditure and provision is in the private sector. The
Philippines has some domestic capacity to produce basic hospital items, but
the majority of the market is supplied by imports. Private hospitals in Manila
represent the best prospects for suppliers.
Primary care remains limited throughout much of the country. This shortage is
directly responsible for many infectious disease outbreaks, as the necessary
containing measures are often not put into place until the problem has become
widespread. Gradual progress is being made here, however. The number of
primary care clinics at Barangay level has increased in recent years, although
staffing levels remains low. An exodus of medical staff overseas in pursuit of
better wages and working conditions has put severe pressure on healthcare
services.
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