The Medical Device Market: Belgium

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. Included with the report are 3 free quarterly updated outlook reports, enabling you to keep up to date with market developments for a year.

Belgium, which occupies an area of 30,528 km2, comprises the three largely autonomous regions of Brussels, Flanders and Wallonia, with a combined population of 10.7 million. The country lies at the heart of the EU, with Brussels home to the European Parliament.

With GDP per capita in the region of US$41,000 in 2009, Belgium is one of the wealthier EU countries and has one of the most open economies in the world.

The country's federal structure has resulted in a rather complex system of healthcare administration, with no less than six ministers responsible for health matters at either federal, regional or community level, which complicates the development of a coherent healthcare policy. However, faced with a rising social security deficit, the government has gradually strengthened its role in controlling health expenditure.

Healthcare provision is generally good and of high quality, although there is still an over-reliance on hospital services, two-thirds of which are provided by the private sector. Efforts are focusing on improving access to care for chronically ill patients in general, and on improving the level of care for key patient groups by promoting a more co-ordinated approach between GPs and specialists.

The market for medical equipment and supplies is valued at US$1,383 million in 2009, equal to US$129 per capita. Growth of the next five years is forecast to be slightly below the West European average, although higher than neighbouring France and the Netherlands.

Medical device production is comparatively low and imports account for a large percentage of the market. Belgium is used as a distribution centre by numerous multinational companies, which re-export to other parts of Europe.