ASEAN countries could be the next emerging medtech markets

For some time now, medical device manufacturers have been looking beyond their traditional markets in the United States and EU, focusing instead on emerging economies such as Brazil, Russia, India, and China. However, medical device makers are now searching for the next group of emerging medtech markets. Among those that show promise are the 10 countries that comprise the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam). Notes that Western-type diseases have become increasingly prevalent in Asia. Increased lifespans and growing incomes have led many to adopt Western habits such as overeating, consuming fast food, smoking, and engaging in little exercise, putting Asians at an increasingly higher risk for lifestyle diseases. In particular, the growth rates of diabetes, orthopaedic problems, cardiovascular disease, and cancer are rising quickly. Western device manufacturers already make products to diagnose and treat these diseases. Hence, the ASEAN nations are attractive markets for Western device firms. Gives individual assessments for Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. Source :  http://www.twi-global.com/news-events/industry-updates/medical-industry/