In 2009 certain regional market revenues dropped by over 30% due to healthcare spending cuts, currency devaluation and political unrest. Market expectations were consequently very low for 2010.

However, contrary to expectations, the market quickly recovered in 2010, with strong growth in Russia, Romania, Hungary, and the Middle East. “Strong public investment focused on improving the quality of healthcare services in these areas suffered due to the challenging economic and political conditions of 2009”, commented Stephen Holloway, Market Analyst at InMedica. ”In 2010, this investment quickly resumed, with the ultrasound market one of the first benefactors.”

Holloway discussed the challenges that lay ahead, “Complicated and irregular government tender systems mean international suppliers are relying on local third-party distribution networks. This limits suppliers’ market visibility and direct feedback to end-users, while increasing market pricing pressure.”

The Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa ultrasound market, which accounted for almost 10% of global revenues in 2010, shows potential for future growth. The ultrasound's flexibility and interoperability makes it a cost-effective solution for the low budgets in small and mid-size hospitals.

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