South Africa General Surgical Devices Market - Growth, Trends, and Forecasts (2023-2028)

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.

Key Market Trends

Orthopedics Segment is Expected to Witness Considerable Market Growth During the Forecast Period

Orthopedic surgery or orthopedics is concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic surgery is done to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, and congenital disorders. Orthopedic surgery is a specialty dealing with acute injuries, congenital and acquired disorders, and chronic arthritic or overuse conditions of the bones, joints, and their associated soft tissues, including ligaments, nerves, and muscles.

The increasing geriatric population and orthopedic disorders in South Africa are the major factors propelling the segment's growth. For instance, as per the report by the Population Aging in South Africa, published in January 2021, the aging population in the country was expected to increase by 33.8% from 2002 to 2022. As elderly people are more prone to chronic diseases, they are expected to boost the demand for surgical products, further driving the market's growth in the country. According to a research study published in PLOS in February 2021, osteoarthritis was the most prevalent form of arthritis in South Africa. The same source also reported that the disease had a prevalence rate of 55.1% in urban settings, and between 29.5% and 82.7% in adults over 65 years in rural settings. Similarly, according to the PLOS research article published in January 2021, the remaining lifetime risk of hip fracture at the age of 50 years in men and women was 1.4% and 1.1%, respectively. The rising incidence of hip fractures suggested that the estimated number of hip fractures nationwide in persons over the age of 50 years in 2020 was 103. This number is predicted to increase by more than threefold, to 372, in 2050. Therefore, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases among the geriatric population and increasing orthopedic disorders may propel the demand for surgical products in hospital settings, thereby driving the segment's growth over the forecast period.

Handheld Devices Segment is Expected to Witness Significant Growth During the Forecast Period

Handheld surgical devices are becoming increasingly advanced. The development of advanced devices, like robotic handheld surgical devices for laparoscopic interventions, enhances a surgeon’s dexterity. Many innovations have been made due to the need for high reliability, accuracy, and patient safety. For instance, needle holders are very similar in shape to hemostats, featuring jaws and handles. Needle holders allow the needle to be locked into place for suturing in a variety of tissue types. Surgical operations demand surgeons to frequently engage in hand-intensive activities, including suturing, thus driving the need for advance devices, such as needle holders.

The increasing burden of various diseases, coupled with the rising number of surgeries, is anticipated to propel the segment's growth over the forecast period. For instance, according to the NCBI research study published in January 2021, due to sociodemographic and lifestyle changes, South Africa is going through an epidemiological shift, which is increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases in the country. The same source also reported that stroke is one of the top 10 primary causes of disability in South Africa, accounting for around 25,000 fatalities per year and 95,000 years of impairment (YLD). As per a research article published in 2022, COPD was found to be the main reason for morbidity and mortality in adults in Sub-Saharan Africa. The same source also reported that more than 328,000 South Africans suffered from TB in 2022, with an estimated 61,000 associated deaths. Therefore, such a high burden of diseases in the country is expected to increase the demand for handheld devices over the forecast period.

Competitive Landscape

The South African general surgical devices market is fragmented and focused due to the presence of many large, medium, and small players. Many other global players are also looking to enter the South African market due to high potential. Some of the major players in the market are B. Braun SE, Boston Scientific Corporation, Conmed Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, and Medtronic PLC.

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