Middle East and Africa MRI Market - Forecasts from 2024 to 2029

Middle East and Africa MRI Market was evaluated at US$476.17 million for the year 2022, growing at a CAGR of 0.77%, reaching the market size of US$502.379 million by the year 2029.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of internal body structures, particularly soft tissues like the brain, muscles, and organs. The Middle East and Africa play a significant role in the global MRI market. Technological advancements, such as higher field strengths and advanced imaging sequences, drive market growth. However, high costs and limited access to advanced medical imaging technologies pose challenges. MRI is widely used in neuroimaging, musculoskeletal imaging, and cardiac imaging, aiding in the diagnosis of various medical conditions.  The Middle East and Africa's MRI market is growing due to healthcare infrastructure development, increased awareness of advanced medical imaging, and a rise in chronic diseases. The Gulf Cooperation Council region is investing in modern hospitals and diagnostic centers, leading to increased demand for advanced imaging technologies. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neurological disorders, has also increased the demand for diagnostic imaging.

Some Middle Eastern countries have become medical tourism hubs, attracting patients from neighboring regions. Regional considerations also play a role, with developed regions typically having more advanced healthcare infrastructures and higher adoption rates. Factors such as rising technological advancements such as the integration of PET or CT to provide diagnostic imaging possibilities with less exposure to harmful radiation, an increasing geriatric population, and the growing adoption of MRI systems are boosting the Middle East and Africa magnetic resonance imaging markets. The market is segmented into three types: type, application, and country.

MARKET DRIVERS:

Rising cases of cancer and a growing geriatric population

Factors attributed to the growth of the market across the region include the rising prevalence of cancer. According to Globocan 2020, around 14.3% of cases of breast cancer have increased among females and around 25.8% of prostate cancer have increased among males in Africa. Due to the rising cases of cancer, there is a growing demand for better diagnostic facilities like MRI or CT in African countries. Additionally, growing awareness among people about the early diagnosis of disease to prevent and cure abnormalities at an early stage is projected to drive the demand for MRI during the forecast period. Furthermore, the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (Dar-es-Salaam) Tanzania has collaborated to work on substantial projects to control the growth of cancer across African countries, which is significantly contributing to the overall market growth.

High demand of open MRI type system

Open MRI systems are expected to dominate the growth segment during the forecast period. Open MRI systems are more convenient in comparison to closed MRI systems as they are very spacious and have large openings, which is why there is a high demand for open-type MRI systems. Moreover, the rising prevalence of cardiovascular disease across the region is expected to drive the demand for open MRI systems to get cardiac imaging to diagnose heart disease at an early stage. CVDs are one of the leading causes of death in the Middle East, accounting for 1.4 million deaths each year (Source: World Heart Federation).

Rise of the geriatric population

Increasing elderly populations are a major factor driving up demand for MRI scanners, as these individuals are more vulnerable to a wide range of diseases that can be detected by MRI scanners. These diseases include brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, stroke, traumatic brain injury, developmental abnormalities, dementia, and headache causes.

Due to their increased susceptibility to a variety of health illnesses, the senior population is growing at a faster rate, which increases the likelihood of health problems. Based on statistical data, 10% of patients who have surgery are 65 years of age or older. Among the surgical specialties performed are cardiology, pelvic and abdominal, cancer, mammography, gynecology, urology, brain and neurological, musculoskeletal, and dentistry.

MARKET RESTRAINTS:

High upfront costs could hinder the market growth

MRI scanners are costly to acquire and maintain. The purchase of an MRI scanner entails a high upfront cost, as well as continuous costs for maintenance, upgrades, and servicing. It is difficult for healthcare facilities to invest in MRI technology because of its high cost, particularly those with tight budgets.

Key Developments:

• July 2022- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has partnered with GE Healthcare to train medical imaging professionals under Rays of Hope, an initiative aimed at addressing global inequity in cancer diagnosis and treatment. The partnership is the first with a private company under Rays of Hope. GE Healthcare, a provider of medical imaging and digital technologies, will provide cutting-edge training at Zurich University Hospital in Switzerland. The first medical professionals from Kenya will begin the training. The training will focus on PET-CT and PET-MRI, imaging techniques that provide more accurate cancer diagnosis and help determine cancer spread.
• Febuary 2022- Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has opened its first Radiopharmaceutical Laboratory in Doha, focusing on providing local diagnostic and therapeutic care to cancer patients. The new facility, located at HMC's National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR), including MRI services, saving patients the need to travel abroad for such care. Nuclear medicine therapy is an alternative to chemotherapy and surgery in cancer treatment.

Market Segmentation

By Type

• Closed
• Open

By Application

• Screening
• Diagnosis
• Treatment Monitoring
• Research

By Country

• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• Israel
• Nigeria
• Others