Technology plays a pivotal role in transforming diagnostics, treatments, and patient care. The field of MedTech encompasses a wide array of devices, from diagnostic equipment to prosthetics, each aimed at improving healthcare outcomes. While the global MedTech market has seen substantial growth, Africa's potential remains largely untapped, despite its pressing healthcare needs.
The Need for Effective MedTech in Africa
Due to the shortage of essential devices, healthcare professionals must often devise creative solutions, leading to potential poor health outcomes. This was well illustrated by a story from Dr. Mary Waiyego, a neonatologist at Kenyatta National Hospital, who shared a patient story at TAMC 2023 that highlighted the challenges of working with limited medical technologies.
She recounted the case of a young mother who did not have an ultrasound prior to the baby’s premature birth, which would have determined gestation. Additionally, the facility lacked a transport incubator to keep the baby warm. The available equipment was not validated for newborns, causing delays in critical treatment decisions, and basic supplies like nasal prongs and precise drip metres were unavailable. Despite these obstacles, the baby survived but faces future health challenges.
Dr. Waiyego’s account emphasises both the dedication of healthcare workers in resource-limited settings and also the urgent need for collective efforts to improve access to life-saving medical technologies.
Market Size: Global vs. Africa
The adoption of medical devices globally has been on a steady rise, driven by factors such as increasing chronic diseases, advancements in technology, and an ageing population. In 2021, the global MedTech market was valued at USD 610.8 billion, with projections to reach USD 766.8 billion by 2025, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.9%.
In contrast, Africa's share in the global MedTech market stands at a modest 1.2%. However, within the continent, there is optimism for growth. Despite facing numerous challenges, Africa's MedTech industry is expected to surge at a CAGR of 6.7% from USD 7.5 billion to USD 9.8 billion by 2025, outpacing the global average growth rate.
Challenges Hindering Growth
Africa's journey towards harnessing the full potential of MedTech is impeded by various challenges. First of all, there is underdeveloped healthcare infrastructure on the continent. The inadequacy of healthcare infrastructure in Africa poses a significant obstacle to MedTech adoption. With limited access to medical facilities and equipment, delivering quality healthcare remains a challenge.
Additionally, the regulatory processes governing MedTech in Africa are often inadequate or inconsistently enforced. This creates uncertainty for manufacturers and impedes innovation and market access. There is also a scarcity of trained professionals for machine repairs, which further exacerbates the problem, with over 40% of medical equipment lying broken in healthcare facilities across the continent.
Africa also needs to address low health financing expenditure. African countries allocate a meagre 4.9% of GDP to health expenditure, hindering investment in MedTech infrastructure and innovation. In addition, substandard healthcare delivery, coupled with a shortage of medical professionals and inadequate infrastructure, contributes to the region's healthcare challenges and the growth of the MedTech industry.
Opportunities for Growth
Despite these challenges, Africa also presents significant opportunities for MedTech expansion. The increasing burden of chronic diseases and the growing population create a demand for advanced medical technologies and devices. Governments and other organisations are increasingly recognizing the importance of MedTech in improving healthcare outcomes, leading to initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and infrastructure development. And, while Africa lags behind countries like India and China in terms of MedTech market size, it presents a nascent yet promising landscape for growth, especially with the rise of regional hubs like South Africa and Egypt.
The MedTech industry in Africa stands at a critical juncture, poised for growth but grappling with significant challenges. Addressing these challenges will require concerted efforts from governments, healthcare providers, innovators, and investors. By investing in infrastructure, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and fostering innovation, Africa can unlock its immense potential in the MedTech sector, ultimately improving healthcare access and outcomes for millions across the continent.
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