South Africa Ultrasound Devices Market - Growth, Trends, and Forecasts (2022 - 2027)

South Africa Ultrasound Devices Market was valued at USD 93.73 million in 2021 and is projected to register a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period (2022-2027).

South Africa's largest challenge, as a result of COVID-19, was that its population's health requirements outpaced available facilities and beds. Second, the vast majority of individuals are unaware of their health status, which delays treatment, and the system's funding reflects inequity. As per the article published in May 2021, titled 'Diagnostic radiographers' experience of COVID-19, Gauteng South Africa' by the National Institute of Health, radiographers use chest computed tomography (CT), lung ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and chest radiographs to aid in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of COVID-19. This has contributed largely to the growth of the ultrasound devices market in South Africa.

The major factors propelling the growth of the market are the increasing prevalence of cancer, increasing technological advancements, and the growing applications of ultrasound. South Africa has a better healthcare infrastructure and healthcare-related services. The increasing prevalence of various chronic diseases including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and thyroid disorders in the country is expected to boost the demand for ultrasound devices in the country.

For instance, a study titled 'Work-related musculoskeletal disorders amongst undergraduate nursing students at the University of Johannesburg' published in April 2020, found that 83% prevalence of Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) occurred most commonly in the lower back (81.1%), neck (65.9%), and shoulder (63.6%) regions. Factors that showed associations with overall MSDs were female gender, height, and studying at home. Stress and tablet or smartphone use had significant associations with certain body regions. Hence, with the increasing musculoskeletal ailments, there will be an increasing demand for ultrasound devices for diagnosis which is believed to propel the market growth.

Key Market Trends

2D Ultrasound Imaging is Expected to Witness Healthy Growth Over the Forecast Period

Flat, black-and-white moving images of the internal organs are produced by 2D ultrasounds. An outline of the internal organs is created by the ultrasound transducer's sound waves as they pass through the body and back. Factors such as a rise in fetal abnormalities, and an increase in congenital abnormalities, among others are expected to drive the growth of this market in South Africa. During pregnancy, 2D ultrasounds are commonly used to ensure that the baby is healthy and growing properly. Doctors use this technology to measure the baby's head, tummy, and legs, as well as monitor his or her heart rate and movement.

The rising prevalence of fetal birth defects in South Africa is expected to drive the growth of this segment. For instance, according to the study published in 'Prevalence and associated factors of birth defects among newborns in sub-Saharan African countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis in 'The Pan African Medical Journal in May 2020, the combined prevalence of birth abnormalities were 20.40 per 1,000 births, according to 25 studies from 9 sub-Saharan African countries. With a prevalence of 43 per 1000, the Southern Africa area had the greatest prevalence in the study. Musculoskeletal system defects were the most common form of birth abnormality, with a combined frequency of 3.90 per 1000. The rising fetal abnormalities will lead to increased fetal care, that requires 2D ultrasound scanners for diagnosis, thereby driving the 2D ultrasound segment growth in this region.

Furthermore, according to the study published in 'Observed birth prevalence of congenital anomalies among live births at a regional facility in KwaZulu Natal Province, South Africa' in 'PLOS ONE' in August 2021, the rate of congenital abnormalities in in-facility births was 15.57 per 1000 live births. Musculoskeletal anomalies were the most frequently found system (32%), followed by circulatory system anomalies (19%). Therefore, rising congenital abnormalities will lead to increased fetal care with the help of 2D ultrasound diagnosis, thereby leading to high adoption of 2D ultrasound systems in this country, and expected to drive the growth of this market in South Africa.

Hence, due to the above developments in 2D ultrasound systems, it is expected to drive market growth in this region.

Competitive Landscape

The South African ultrasound devices market is competitive with the presence of large players and few local players. Public and private companies are found investing in R&D to advance their technologies in the field of ultrasound imaging, as it is becoming one of the fundamental aspects of healthcare. The updated technological portable devices are praised globally, and the companies have a wide presence across the developed and emerging markets. Some of the major companies investing in ultrasound devices are Philips, Siemens, Canon, Fujifilm.

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