The report notes that until a decade ago, most of the demand for refurbished equipment came from developing countries. But the economic crises and tightened health care budgets in the U.S. and Europe, along with the increase in trained professionals in the refurb sector, have driven growth in wealthier economies as well.
In the medical equipment industry overall, rise in aging populations has led to an increase in surgical procedures globally, as has an increase in private health care institutions.
The most important emerging economies contributing to growth include India, China and Brazil.
The report also notes that some of the main refurbished medical equipment players in the market are OEMs. This includes GE Healthcare, Philips Healthcare, Siemens Healthcare, Johnson & Johnson, Agito Medical, DMS Topline, First Source Inc, and Soma Technology.
REFERENCE: April 23, 2013; by Nancy Ryerson , Staff Writer; Dotmed Daily News