Immense Opportunities in Store for the Economically Significant Healthcare Industry in Europe, Finds Frost & Sullivan

LONDON, April 19, 2010 - Healthcare has always been an area of utmost importance. It has
significant economic relevance and has been allocated a higher percent of
gross domestic product (GDP) in many countries compared to most other sectors
such as transport and communication, construction and education. Healthcare
also has a huge impact on employment, for the fact that most related
activities are provided by people.

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New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (www.medicaldevices.frost.com),
Key Trends and Indicators in European Healthcare Markets, studies the
healthcare market in Europe and provides insights and analysis up to 2014.
For instance, it covers the extent of unemployment in Europe so that
healthcare employers can understand the existing market scenario and take
advantage of it.

"There are a number of political, economic, sociological, and
technological market forces which are currently influencing the European
healthcare market on the whole," says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Sree
Vidhya Praveen. "A combination of these forces produces a few general market
opportunities and threats for product manufacturers and it is vital that
medical product suppliers have an understanding of these factors to optimise
opportunities and address challenges."

The demographic and economic indicators covered in this study focus on
the healthcare spending percent of GDP, population analysis and fertility
rates. The health status section discusses trends for obesity, alcohol
consumption, along with the prevalence of cancer, AIDS and diabetes.

"Despite the significant GDP allocation, macroeconomic factors, such as
aging populations and insufficient public funding are challenging both payers
and providers," explains Praveen. "Therefore, participants wanting to succeed
in this new market environment should redefine and adapt their business
models accordingly."

Governments across the world face the challenge of facilitating the
adoption of medical devices while ensuring their affordability. Governments
have the responsibility to balance the technological adoption and
affordability, thus creating a favourable market environment for medical
devices according to the unique features of each country.

Further, policy tools that encourage technological adoption tend to show
a strong preference for a particular technology over others. Such tools
should be used carefully, say on a trial basis, during the early stages of
technological diffusion as the benefits of a new technology are often
difficult to predict and can lead to market distortions and a sharp rise in
expenditures.

"Market participants should increase their product portfolio by acquiring
smaller companies with innovative products," concludes Praveen.
"Additionally, market presence should be expanded in the untapped markets."

If you are interested in more information on Frost & Sullivan's Key
Trends and Indicators in European Healthcare Markets, please send an e-mail
to Katja Feick, Corporate Communications, at katja.feick@frost.com, with your
full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address,
company website, city, state and country.

Key Trends and Indicators in European Healthcare Markets is part of the
Medical Devices Growth Partnership Service programme, which also includes
research in the following: An Overview of Medical Device Supply Chain Trends
in Europe, An Overview of Ulceration Wounds, European Braces and Supports
Market, Western European Market for Image Guided and Robotic Surgery,
Surgical Drapes, Gowns and Gloves Market in Europe, The Sterilisation and
Disinfection Equipment Market in Eastern Europe, Overview of the Healthcare
Industry in Russia and Other CIS Countries, among others. All research
services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and
industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with
market participants.

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             Key Trends and Indicators in European Healthcare Markets
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    Contact:
    Katja Feick
    Corporate Communications - Europe
    P: +49-(0)-69-7703343
    E: katja.feick@frost.com
    www.frost.com
    Twitter: twitter.com/frost_sullivan

Katja Feick of Frost & Sullivan Corporate Communications - Europe, +49-(0)-69-7703343, katja.feick at frost.com