Bangkok--18 Jun--Frost & Sullivan
The morbidity and mortality pattern in Vietnam has shifted from communicable diseases to non-communicable diseases, among which, cardiovascular diseases are the most prevalent. Almost 7 million people in a population of 86.9 million are afflicted with cardiovascular disease, signifying moderate opportunities for the cardiac rhythm management (CRM) market on a small base.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.medicaldevices.frost.com), Vietnam Market for Cardiac Rhythm Management, finds that the market earned revenues of US$1.45 million in 2011 and estimates this to reach US$2.82 million in 2016 at a compound annual growth rate of 14.2 per cent.
The occurrence of cardiovascular diseases is on the rise due to higher salt intake, unhealthy eating habits and high cholesterol concentration. However, changes in healthcare services legislation, introduction of mandatory health insurance policies, affluent and dormant life style, smoking and the desire for quality treatment will boost the Vietnamese CRM market.
In 2011, pacemakers were the most popular device for CRM, among both hospitals and healthcare professionals, due to their low costs, familiarity and simplicity of implantation.
"Being a low-middle income country, recycled and refurbished pacemakers from developed countries such as the United States find considerable uptake in Vietnam,\" says Frost & Sullivan Consultant Poornima Srinivasan.
The government is also stepping up efforts to improve the quality of cardiac care in the country by setting up cardiac centres. In 2001, Vietnam had four cardiac centres to perform cardiology-related procedures; it increased to 21 in 2010, emphasizing the drive to develop the country as a medical hub for patients from Laos and Cambodia.
As the Vietnamese market is highly price sensitive, vendors have to make continuous efforts to differentiate their medical equipment, device and supplies through competitive pricing and benefits. Currently, distributors do not engage in any promotional activities due to the lack of funds.
To infuse capital into the CRM market, the Vietnamese government is encouraging private hospitals and foreign participants to establish bases in the country.
"In the last two years, there have been mergers and acquisitions or tie ups between overseas and domestic hospitals," notes Srinivasan. "This is viewed as a move to curtail the movement of patients (around 300,000) for medical tourism outside the country and simultaneously provide quality healthcare services within the country."
Frost & Sullivan Thailand Tel. 02 637 7414