According to the report Medical Device Market: Iran,  government investments in Iran have resulted in an improved health sector, with modernised services and facilities being built annually. Ownership of hospitals is evenly split between the public and private/charity sectors but can be fragmented due to lack of co-ordination between agencies.

A series of Development Plans, spanning consecutive five-year periods from 1990, have aimed to rejuvenate Iran’s health sector by raising hospital bed and personnel numbers, building primary healthcare facilities, improving family planning and immunisation rates, focusing on care of the elderly and prevention of non-communicable diseases, reforming the state medical insurance scheme and social welfare systems in addition to attracting foreign investment. However, there is no firm evidence of the success of these measures.

The 86 page report says that the medical device market appears to have no coherent regulatory framework, and Iranian buyers are very thorough in evaluating products for purchase. It is therefore advised that overseas firms appoint a local agent with knowledge of relevant procedures. Imports account for at least 95% of the market, despite the manufacture of basic consumable items such as syringes, needles & catheters, dental instruments & fittings and orthopaedic appliances. Imports were valued at US$311.4 million in 2006, with Germany and the UK being the leading suppliers. Basic consumables and diagnostic imaging apparatus were the most significant import sectors.

In 2008, Iran’s medical device market is estimated to be worth US$351 million; however, the market size per capita is very low, at US$5. The report predicts annual growth to be 3.8%, taking the market to US$422 million by 2013. Expenditure per capita however, is not expected to rise significantly over the same period.

The Medical Device Market: Iran

Report Buyer product ID: ESP00162

Report Buyer Category: Pharma & Healthcare