|
Healthcare Market in Thailand and Indochina :
Opportunities Galore
Thailand
has made much headway to improve its healthcare
facilities and extend medical services to a greater
number of its population. The efforts in the public
sector are partnered by efforts in the private sector
- and the synergy is proving to be healthy for this
market-driven economy. The Thai government has
launched unique plans and policies, which could very
well prove to be working models for other developing
nations to follow. Some of these action plans include:
Developing better healthcare services, supplies
and facilities
At the
opening of HOSPIMedica THAILAND in 2003, key speakers
highlighted the interest within both public and private
sectors in boosting the healthcare market
As the
economy develops, the healthcare industry is showing
increasing signs of growth and participation, for example:
-
Stronger interest in healthcare related events, such as
trade shows and exhibitions
-
More efficient hospitals in both public and private
sectors
-
Thais becoming more health conscious and concerned with
quality of life
-
Greater demand for health supplements, diabetic food,
biotechnology pharmaceuticals as well as AIDS and cancer
related medicine (an estimated one-third of working people
in Bangkok regulatory buy dietary supplements)
-
Rising number of local distribution partners to handle
products for foreign suppliers and investors
|
|
The
government activity promotes investment in the manufacture
of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, with exemptions
and other incentives, as well as joint ventures with local
partners. Thailand boasts a large and capable labour force
for the set up of high-tech manufacturing plants. Total
sales of medical devices in Thailand in 2002 were
estimated to have reached approximately US$380 million.
Although this may be considered a relatively modest
amount, potential for considerable ongoing growth
undoubtedly exists.
There are
opportunities for various healthcare companies and
professionals in the areas of medical training, ambulance
services, retirement homes, medical equipment supplies and
rural health services. Thailand’s hospital expansion
programmes offer enormous scope for medical equipment
manufacturers to penetrate the country’s lucrative
hospital market.
Implementing healthcare innovations and technologies |
|
“Thailand
is a relatively liberal market for medical devices
imposing few restrictions on their importation and
sale… The Thai Government also offers various tax
incentives to companies that are willing to produce
medical devices in the country either for local demand
or export.”
-Ms
Tasnee Jiarakul, Director, The Thai Medical Device
Supplies Association
“Being
involved in events such as HOSPIMedica THAILAND, we
are able to provide another unique communication
platform for our over 200 member hospitals. Our
members will be able to source for medical devices and
products, diagnostics and rehabilitation equipment and
at the same time keep themselves updated in what is
new and available in the market in terms of solutions
and medical technology.”
-Dr.
Surapang Ambhanwong, Advisory Board & Foreign Affairs,
The Private Hospital Association of Thailand |
|
|
There are
many opportunities for providers of innovative and
high-tech medical equipment including plastic surgery
equipment. Buyers often look out for packages which
include training, maintenance and upgrading; refurbishment
or reconditioning of the used equipment; and rental or
leasing options in lieu of purchase.
Many
hospitals use electronic medical records, and some have
Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS).
Patient’s data, radiology pictures and medical pictures
are transmitted on-line through telephone, satellite and
optical cable wires. Specialist doctors and treatments
apply high-tech procedures for brain surgery, like minimal
invasive neurosurgery with neuronavigator guided
techniques.
|
|
IT system
providers are also needed to install and maintain software
and hardware for telemedicine, data management and
transfer systems for both inter- and intra-hospital
networks.
Developing the health tourism industry
It is
Thailand’s goal to extend top quality medical and
healthcare services to patients from other countries,
especially where medical treatment and surgical procedures
cost more or the waiting list is too long or the insurance
coverage is inadequate.
The
Ministry of Public Health aims to make Thailand a vibrant
focal point for the health industry, with investments to
build medical centres in Bangkok, Phuket and the northern
city of Chiang Mai. The Ministry also plans to attract
more health tourists by developing the long-stay health
sector.
|
|
Fast Facts
Thailand
-
There are some 900
companies in Thailand distributing and marketing
medical devices.
-
Total sales of medical
devices in2002 is estimated to reach approximately
US$ 380 million.
-
About 600,000 foreign
visitors used Thailand health services in 2002,
earning the country almost 20 billion baht.
Vietnam
-
The import value of
medical devices in 2002 has reached approximately
US$ 335 million.
-
There are close to
20,000 private healthcare clinics and 3,500
specialised clinics in Vietnam.
|
|
|
