German market stats updated at Medica
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
German medical technology manufacturers have increased their exports by 70% to €11.7bn ($14.6bn) in the last five years, and exports now account for 64% (54% in 2003) of these companies’ sales. These are among the facts and figures published by Spectaris (Berlin) in a book, released during this year’s Medica trade fair, entitled “Die deutsche Medizintechnik-Industrie”. Whenever German healthcare is mentioned, it tends to be mainly in connection with rising costs and insurance premiums, said the industry association’s head, Sven Behrens. A far better theme would be the cost-benefit ratio of medtech, and its potential benefit to the German economy, he said. “Society is ageing, and it needs innovative medtech products and services; hospitals that do not invest in modern medtech systems will not be able to meet the future demand,” he stressed. The 90-page facts and stats publication can be ordered at www.spectaris.de