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.

Bangladesh is one of the ten most populous countries in the world. It is also one of the poorest. Access to even the most basic of healthcare provision remains sub-standard, despite the ongoing efforts of the government, aided by considerable international assistance. Adequate secondary or tertiary care is beyond the reach of all but a very few. Government hospitals are often little more than clinics, and suffer from severe shortages of trained staff. There is a growing private hospital sector, largely based in Dhaka, which caters for the well-off. It is in the private sector where the most advanced services are located, and where almost all the demand for advanced equipment will be found.

Given the country's lack of spending power, the medical equipment market, at around US$100 million, remains tiny in comparison with the size of the population. Steadily improving economic performance, combined with a general determination to boost the quality of healthcare, should lead to steady, if unspectacular, market growth. Imports have shown an upward trend in recent years and 2005 saw exceptional growth by almost two thirds over 2004, with ‘high end’ equipment such as X-ray equipment more than doubling to become the leading import category. Imports did however contract, albeit marginally, in 2006 by 2.3%. There is very little local production of medical equipment, so the market is heavily reliant on imports, often supplied in conjunction with aid projects.

The appointment of a local agent will be necessary to achieve any lasting presence in the Bangladeshi market. There are a number of these, usually based in Dhaka. It has also been suggested that suppliers could use Calcutta, just across the border in India, as a base, although this appears not to be a popular option at present.

Foreign direct investment is encouraged by the government, although it is difficult in practice; climate, poor communications, power supplies and transport links make the establishment of local operations nearly impossible. A few multinationals, such as B.Braun or Siemens, have established a direct presence in Bangladesh.

Private hospitals and clinics will make individual purchasing agreements. The private sector represents the best opportunity for selling advanced or expensive equipment, although even here resources remain severely limited. Private hospitals are located throughout the country, although the bulk of private resources are concentrated in Dhaka.

Government spending will concentrate on more basic items, with larger tenders almost always funded through international aid projects, which may well be tied to the donor country. Tenders for equipment will usually be handled by the government, while those for basic medical supplies will often be co-ordinated by aid agencies themselves.

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