Report: Portable, PC-based ultrasound demand on rise in Eastern Europe
With the demand for portable and PC-based ultrasound units experiencing exponential growth, the Eastern European could reach $370.9 million in 2014, according to a report from market research firm Frost & Sullivan.
“Volume sales in Eastern European markets are being clearly driven by the obstetrics and gynaecology and musculoskeletal ultrasound units,” said Frost & Sullivan analyst Krishanu Bhattacharjee. “With a considerable rise in the number of private practitioners, the demand for low-end, PC-based ultrasound units will witness tremendous growth.”
An emerging private sector has ensured the improved uptake of ultrasound units in the Eastern European markets, the report said, with growth augmented by the construction of new hospitals in countries like Romania.
While the number of private practitioners is rising, most of these practitioners are looking for refurbished ultrasound equipment due to their limited purchasing power. This has motivated low-cost manufacturers to enter the Eastern European markets, triggering further price erosion, according to the firm.
“Despite countries such as Bulgaria and Romania joining the European Union, the funding for healthcare and the purchase of medical equipment has not changed significantly,” explained Bhattacharjee. “This has resulted in the reduced sales of cardiology and surgical ultrasound units that are higher priced. The lack of reimbursement for most ultrasound procedures has also hampered the unit shipment of ultrasound units.”
To accelerate the adoption rates of various ultrasound technologies, including 3D, elastography and surgical ultrasound, vendors should introduce training programs for sonologists in Eastern European countries. Bhattacharjee said that companies from Western Europe and the United States should tie-up with local manufacturers and suppliers to ensure effective distribution of their ultrasound products.
“Volume sales in Eastern European markets are being clearly driven by the obstetrics and gynaecology and musculoskeletal ultrasound units,” said Frost & Sullivan analyst Krishanu Bhattacharjee. “With a considerable rise in the number of private practitioners, the demand for low-end, PC-based ultrasound units will witness tremendous growth.”
An emerging private sector has ensured the improved uptake of ultrasound units in the Eastern European markets, the report said, with growth augmented by the construction of new hospitals in countries like Romania.
While the number of private practitioners is rising, most of these practitioners are looking for refurbished ultrasound equipment due to their limited purchasing power. This has motivated low-cost manufacturers to enter the Eastern European markets, triggering further price erosion, according to the firm.
“Despite countries such as Bulgaria and Romania joining the European Union, the funding for healthcare and the purchase of medical equipment has not changed significantly,” explained Bhattacharjee. “This has resulted in the reduced sales of cardiology and surgical ultrasound units that are higher priced. The lack of reimbursement for most ultrasound procedures has also hampered the unit shipment of ultrasound units.”
To accelerate the adoption rates of various ultrasound technologies, including 3D, elastography and surgical ultrasound, vendors should introduce training programs for sonologists in Eastern European countries. Bhattacharjee said that companies from Western Europe and the United States should tie-up with local manufacturers and suppliers to ensure effective distribution of their ultrasound products.