The Philippines Healthcare market is largely dependent on imports into the country. Medical equipment, medical devices, diagnostics, medical disposables are primarily imported into the Philippines.

Almost all medical equipment (close to 100%) and more than 65% of medical disposables are imported into the Philippines Healthcare market. Local manufacturing in the Philippines in the medical disposable segment is primarily for gloves, syringes, needles, hospital beds and hospital furniture.

Commonly purchased medical equipment in the Philippines healthcare include incubators, x-ray equipment, anesthesia machines, nebulizers, fetal monitors, infusion systems, autoclave and sterilizing equipment etc. Medical devices that are imported into the Philippines Healthcare Market include orthopedic implants, stents, catheters, needles, syringes, wound healing products, stents, dental implants etc. The Philippines FDA regulates medical devices and equipment in the Philippines. Learn More: About the regulatory approval for medical devices, equipment, diagnostics and consumables by the Philippines Ministry of Health

Private vs Public in Philippines Healthcare Sector:

The Philippines healthcare industry is dominated by the private sector with the public sector (Philippines Department of Health) playing a minor role. The private sector purchases both new and refurbished equipment. The government as a rule purchases only new equipment.

Primary Hospitals general medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and minor surgeries
Secondary Hospitals Primary Hospital services + gynecology, general surgery, and other ancillary services
Tertiary Hospitals Specialized Services

Well Known Private Hospitals in Philippines:

Countries That Supply to the Philippines:

Major Market Leaders from these countries include:
  • GE Medica
  • Picker
  • Advanced Technology Laboratory
  • Access Cardiosystems
  • Control-X Medical, Inc.
  • Medical Illumination International, Inc.
  • Varian Medical Systems
  • Argyle
  • American Orthopedic
  • Smith and Nephew
  • Siemens
  • Fujirebio
  • Fukuda
  • Fukugawa
  • Hitachi
Medical Products that are strongly imported into the Philippines include:
  • Actocardiograph System
  • Blood Analytical Equipment
  • Catheters
  • Chemical Analysis Instruments
  • Ct Scan System
  • Dental Implants And Dental Accessories
  • Diagnostics
  • Dialyzers
  • ECG
  • ENT Treatment Equipment
  • Imaging, Radiograph Equipment’s
  • Mobile X-Ray Units
  • MRI Systems
  • Needles
  • Orthopedic Implants
  • Processors
  • Seals
  • Surgical Instruments
  • Sutures
  • Syringes
  • Ultrasound Scanner
  • Ultrasound Systems
  • Wound Healing
  • X-Ray Systems

Purchasing decisions for both public and private hospitals are based on various criteria,

  • International reputation of the manufacturer
  • Availability of reputed local distributors who provide after sales support
  • Competitive pricing advantage
  • Service warranties
  • Training programs

During the 3rd and 4th quarter of every year, both the private and government hospitals prepare their annual requirements. Hospitals receive quotes from various supplies and based on the above criteria grant the tender.

Regulatory Approval for Medical Products in the Philippines:

The government has enforced the FDA Act of 2009 to strengthen the regulations of medical products in the Philippines. There are two key documents that are required for registration: (1)License To Operate (LTO) (2) Product Registration.

  1. License to Operate (LTO)

Any establishment in the Philippines from single proprietorship to public and private limited companies can apply for the LTO as long as they are engaged in the healthcare field as importers/ distributors/wholesalers/manufacturers/traders etc.

  1. Product Registration

A company that has a LTO can apply for the registration certificate. Philippines FDA classifies instruments, apparatus, machines, appliances, implants, in-vitro diagnostics, software and any material or article which is used in the diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, treatment or alleviation of diseases and does not achieve its primary function in or on the human body by pharmacological, immunological or metabolic means.

Read more regarding the regulatory approval for medical products in the Philippines: Medical Device Approval  Process Philippines. To learn more about Philippines Healthcare market contact our team.