China's ultrasound market is predicted to surge more than 60% within the next five years, according to a market report released in September 2013.
Equipment revenue is forecast to reach $1.5 billion by 2017, compared with $908.8 million in 2012, with 2013 marking the year that the industry crosses the billion-dollar threshold. Rapid growth is expected across the duration of the time period, and possibly beyond.
The report, compiled by international market research company HIS, attributed this growth in revenue to the government's 2012 healthcare reform. There are plans to construct a new network of county-based hospitals, as well as replace ultrasound systems in metropolitan hospitals elsewhere.
Additionally, there are some changes in typical clinical use, with the country beginning to fall into line with other global healthcare markets. At present, most Chinese hospitals have a dedicated ultrasound department, in contrast with other countries that typically incorporate ultrasound systems into more than 20 clinical departments. It seems likely that China will begin to adopt this model.
