South Africa General Surgical Devices Market Size

South Africa General Surgical Devices Market Analysis

The South African general surgical devices market is expected to register a CAGR of 6.7% over the forecast period.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the market. The increasing number of patients with COVID-19 infection resulted in the cancellation of treatment and diagnosis of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and kidney diseases, to manage and reserve resources. Many hospitals were experiencing a shortage of professionals to assist with these treatments. For instance, according to an NCBI research article published in September 2021, four key areas ensured that radiology served its best purpose during the COVID-19 outbreak in Sub-Saharan Africa. These are good radiological knowledge of COVID-19 manifestations, the 'red and green' patient handling principle, prudent resource utilization, and integration of radiology in epidemiological surveillance. According to another study published by Elsevier Public Health Emergency Collection, in May 2021, there was a negative impact of COVID-19 on radiography services in South Africa, which delayed the diagnosis and treatment procedures for people suffering from chronic diseases. Hence, the market witnessed an adverse impact during the pandemic. However, with the decreasing number of COVID-19 cases and the resumption of surgical procedures, the market is gaining traction and is expected to continue the upward trend over the forecast period.

The rising demand for minimally invasive surgeries, the high rate of injuries and accidents, and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases are the major factors propelling the market's growth. Cardiac disorders have also become more prevalent, thus boosting the demand for surgical procedures. For instance, according to data published in the Journal of Surgical Research in October 2021, in Africa, the total number of burn patients was was 44,369, of which the mean proportion of men was 56%. The most common cause of injury was scalding (61%), followed by open flame (17%). Thus, increasing cases of chronic diseases and acute wounds may propel the demand for general surgical devices in the country, thereby surging the market's growth over the forecast period.

The increasing healthcare expenditure in the country is also expected to boost the growth of the market. For instance, the European Investment Bank signed an EUR 175.0 million (USD 189.86 million) financing agreement with the Kanta-Häme Health Care Joint Authority for the development of the Ahvenisto ("Assi") hospital in Hämeenlinna, a new integrated facility. The project promotes service integration in line with the health and social care reform, which is set to begin in 2023, and helps solve the region's most pressing concerns, including population aging, a scarcity of competent healthcare workers, rising disease burden, and rising healthcare costs.

However, improper reimbursement for surgical devices and a lack of skilled professionals may hinder the market's growth over the forecast period.