The Medical Device Market: Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Saudi Arabia has no official standard for medical products, but the majority of physicians are well-trained to Western standards and will want to use the best equipment available. 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

Saudi Arabia occupies most of the Arabian peninsula and is bordered by the Red Sea, the Arabian Gulf, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Yemen and Oman. Saudi Arabia is an absolute Islamic monarchy, ruled by King Fahd Ibn Abd Al-Aziz As-Sa' ud.

Under the Sixth Development Plan, the healthcare sector expanded rapidly and the government hopes to sustain that growth by investing in construction and other projects. In 2005 alone, US$448 million has been allocated to construction and renovation of health facilities. It must be noted however, that tertiary sector hospitals are highly advanced; the Development Plans are generally aimed at improving primary healthcare provision.

The private sector in Saudi Arabia is small, but as part of the plan mentioned above, its role is being enhanced. Private sector participation is being encouraged in the provision of services, the financing of construction & management of facilities and the production of pharmaceuticals & medical devices.

Saudi Arabia has no official standard for medical products, but the majority of physicians are well-trained to Western standards and will want to use the best equipment available. Foreign companies must have a local agent and tariffs apply to some medical equipment.

This report comprises four main sections: Medical Device Market Outlook, Background Data, Healthcare System, and Accessing the Medical Device Market. The Outlook section provides analysis of the market and five-year forecasts by technology category, national data projections and key market developments. Other sections provide a wealth of background and market access information, including population trends, morbidity and mortality, health expenditure, organisation & administration, hospital services, ambulatory care, medical personnel, trade data and essential industry contacts.