Wound Care and Closure Markets in Kenya

Rising Lifestyle Diseases Drive Growth in the Kenyan Wound Care and Closure Market

The wound care and closure market in Kenya is in the growth stage, driven by rising lifestyle diseases leading to a significant number of chronic wounds. Provision of wound care in smaller public facilities and rural areas is basic and traditional such as the use of gauze and homemade ointments. Private facilities in Kenya are, however, emphasising on the total cost benefits associated with the use of advanced wound care products as well as good quality closure devices. Therefore, healthcare staffs are now more receptive to the introduction of new, high quality products into the market. "High volume sales will continue in this market with the introduction of new products, and the sustained adoption of recently introduced products such as mechanical closure devices and surgical strips," says the analyst of this research. "Sutures constitute a large portion of the total closure device market and new technologies such as sutures with antimicrobial properties are anticipated to spur a steady growth in this market."

Surgeons in the private market prefer to use high quality absorbable sutures for wound closure, with a preference for antimicrobial sutures. Procurement managers are beginning to recognise the contribution of mechanical devices to cost containment measures, thereby boosting the sales of these devices. Mechanical closure devices such as staples and clips reduced surgery time and are proving to be economical by bringing down the overall cost of surgery. Absorbable sutures are also gaining acceptance in Kenyan hospitals as they are time and cost saving as well as clinically effective. The procurement of wound closure devices are based on surgeon preferences and a high demand for these products is expected to significantly drive growth in this market.

The global economic instability and overall rise in product prices and company overheads are impelling health care institutions to lower their operating costs. Hospitals have started procuring fewer wound care products due to budgetary constraints and are limiting the expensive and advanced products for special patient cases. Hospitals are attempting to bring down costs and the same time increase efficiency. Dealing with several manufacturers when procuring wound care and closure products amplifies costs. "Promoting the sale of comprehensive product lines is likely to make the procurement process more efficient and reduce costs for hospitals," concludes the analyst. "A comprehensive product line will further help smaller companies to hedge themselves against the inventory cuts that have been taking place in hospitals across the country."

Technologies

The following technologies are covered in this research:

Advanced wound care:

• Antimicrobial dressings
• Moist wound dressings

Wound closure devices:

• Sutures
• Mechanical closure devices
• Surgical strips