China Medical Device Consulting

China’s market for medical devices is worth about $8 billion. It is Asia’s second largest medical device market, after Japan. With increasing government spending on healthcare services and medical facilities, demand for medical devices in China is projected to grow 15%-20% over the next five years. PBM’s China medical device consultants have worked with many international clients in China. We have assisted our clients with sales and marketing of new medical devices, component sourcing, distributor searches as well as setting up local manufacturing facilities in China.

China’s spending on medical devices is relatively low, at $10 per capita. This is significantly lower than in Japan, where medical device expenditures are at $165 per capita. Nevertheless, China’s multi-billion healthcare reform will spur demand for medical devices and equipment, especially in the Chinese rural and county areas. The government is expected to fund the construction of 2,000 county-level hospitals and an additional 5,000 clinics by 2012. Medical devices which are experiencing strong demand in China include diagnostic imaging, disposables, implants, as well as cardiovascular devices.

Local Chinese medical device manufacturers generally focus on making low-end products with minimal research and development (R&D). Nevertheless, price competition in this segment is fierce. On the other hand, China’s high-end medical device market is dominated by foreign companies, with an 80% market share. While some Chinese manufacturers are advancing towards high-tech medical devices via their own R&D or through joint ventures with Western companies, their lack of a reputable brand name sometimes makes it difficult for them to compete internationally. Companies interested in introducing their medical devices (or expanding their business) into China can contact PBM’s medical device consultants for guidance on the necessary procedures.

China’s governing body for medical devices is the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA). The SFDA, modeled after the US FDA, works under the control of the State Council. Apart from medical devices, the SFDA also regulates pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food. It also controls all registration, inspection, sale, research, and advertising for these medical products.

Each China medical devices consultant at PBM possesses the experience and expertise to help international companies succeed in the Chinese market. With our knowledge of the Chinese medical device industry and its regulations, we can help your company achieve its business goals.

For inquiries on PBM’s China medical device consultant services, please contact us or view PBM’s publications to learn more about the Chinese healthcare market.