The Medical Device Market in Peru
Peru is a country located in South America, bordered by Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, Chile, and Brazil. It has a population of over 31 million people supported by the Ministry of Health (MinSa), which serves as the central regulatory entity. The healthcare system in Peru is divided between the public and private sectors.
The public healthcare sector provides health services through two main schemes: subsidized or indirect contributions and direct contributions, which correspond to social security. The Comprehensive Health System (SIS) subsidizes the provision of services to the poor or those in extreme poverty. The combined insurance coverage encompasses 64.7% of the population (2010): 39.3% of the population is covered by the Comprehensive Health Insurance + 20.7% is covered by Social Security (EsSalud) + 4.7% by other insurance providers.
In terms of the equipment and medical supplies sector, it is notable that Peru’s domestic production is minimal and imports prevail. During the period 2017-2021, imports reached an accumulated value of USD 2.23 billion, with a growth rate of approximately 469% during that period. The categories of medical equipment and materials that demanded the most imports were medical and surgical equipment, disposable products, and diagnostic and laboratory equipment. The following products have great sales potential in Peru:
- Thermometers and pyrometers
- Massage equipment, oxygen therapy equipment, and other devices
- Other respiratory devices
- Metal testing machines and apparatus
- Medical and surgical equipment
- Electromedicine
- Orthopedics, prosthetics, and implants
- Diagnostic and laboratory equipment
- Dental equipment
- Furniture
It is worth noting that in 2020, Peru accounted for approximately 32% of Brazilian exports of furniture for dental, medical, and hospital use. Data from 2017 indicates that the country imported around 389 million dollars’ worth of equipment and health services from foreign countries, which represents approximately 636 million units of medical equipment and devices.
This situation is due to the fact that many hospitals in Peru have a low quantity of medical equipment. The situation becomes even more complicated when it is realized that most of the current equipment is outdated, as the country is lagging behind in the modernization of its medical equipment. Therefore, there is a need to import such equipment.
Regarding the regulation of medical devices in Peru, the regulatory body responsible for this matter is DIGEMID (Dirección General de Medicamentos, Insumos y Drogas), an entity under the Peruvian Ministry of Health, established through Legislative Decree No. 584 on April 18, 1990. The main regulations governing medical devices are Supreme Decree 016-2011-SA and Law 29459, both in compliance with international standards and aimed at harmonization with the Global Harmonization Task Force (GHTF).
If you are interested in registering your products in such a promising and abundant market like Peru, please contact Passarini Group! We will assist you in obtaining your approval!
For more information and explanations about it, send us an e-mail: contato@passarini.com.br
Passarini Group
Published: 06/06/2022
