PUBLISHER: Prescient & Strategic Intelligence | PRODUCT CODE: 1803420
PUBLISHER: Prescient & Strategic Intelligence | PRODUCT CODE: 1803420
The global patient handling equipment market was valued at USD 14.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5%, reaching USD 20.4 billion by 2032. This growth is driven by the increasing prevalence of disabilities, road accidents, and chronic conditions, along with the rising demand for post-treatment services and improvements in healthcare infrastructure. The need for safe, efficient patient management solutions, particularly for people with mobility issues, is spurring demand for patient handling equipment globally. Furthermore, government regulations aimed at ensuring caregiver safety, such as those from the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) and other regulatory bodies, are also contributing to market growth.
A key factor behind this growth is the rising number of musculoskeletal disorders, which affect over 1.5 billion people globally, further increasing the demand for patient handling equipment. Additionally, emerging markets, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, are offering significant growth opportunities due to rapid healthcare infrastructure development and the need for affordable patient handling solutions.
Key Insights
Market Size & Growth: The global patient handling equipment market is expected to grow from USD 14.5 billion in 2024 to USD 20.4 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 4.5%.
Regulatory Support & Safety Standards: Increasing government regulations and guidelines to ensure caregiver safety and proper patient management are propelling the market. For example, NIOSH's guidelines on lifting capacity and safety measures have driven the adoption of mechanical lifting devices to reduce manual handling risks.
Growing Geriatric Population: With the global aging population, the demand for patient handling equipment is growing rapidly. By 2050, the elderly population will reach 2.1 billion, leading to a significant rise in demand for mobility support, patient lifts, and rehabilitation aids.
Home Healthcare Demand: The shift toward home healthcare is a major market trend, with more individuals opting for long-term care at home due to cost-efficiency and personal preferences. Programs such as the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are encouraging this shift, which is driving demand for patient handling equipment like wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and patient lifts.
Technological Advancements: Technological innovations, such as electric beds with integrated medical records, repositioning support, and weight-based pressure rearrangement, are enhancing the functionality and comfort of patient handling equipment. This is particularly evident in advanced ICU and hospital beds.
Market Expansion in Emerging Economies: The Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period, driven by increasing investments in healthcare infrastructure, government initiatives to improve elderly care, and a growing awareness of occupational health standards. Countries like India and China are key markets due to their large populations and expanding healthcare systems.
High Demand for Medical Beds: The medical bed segment held the largest market share (35%) in 2024 due to the growing need for long-term care facilities and ICU beds. The integration of advanced features like repositioning support and continuous lateral rotation therapy is increasing the demand for these beds in hospitals and home healthcare settings.
Growth in Long-term Care: The long-term care segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR (4.8%) during the forecast period, driven by an increasing preference for home care services for elderly people. Portable and user-friendly equipment, such as patient lifts and mobility aids, is essential for these services.
Key End-Users: Hospitals remain the largest end-user of patient handling equipment, accounting for 40% of the market share in 2024. However, the home healthcare sector is expected to grow the fastest (6% CAGR) due to government reimbursement programs, such as Medicare in the U.S., which help subsidize the costs of home healthcare devices.
Regional Insights: Europe accounted for the largest market share (30%) in 2024, driven by high demand for patient handling equipment in hospitals, elderly care facilities, and other healthcare institutions. Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at the highest CAGR (6.2%) due to significant investments in healthcare infrastructure and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases.
Competitive Landscape: The market is fragmented with major players like Invacare Corporation, Stryker Corporation, and Joerns Healthcare leading the space. These companies are focusing on product innovations, strategic partnerships, and expanding their footprints in emerging markets to capture a larger market share.
Recent Developments: In March 2025, Gf Health Products Inc. launched the Hausted 5B800ST stretcher, designed for complete patient management through all phases of care. Meanwhile, in September 2024, Etac AB launched the R82 Chilla, a pediatric buggy designed to offer optimal support and comfort for children with disabilities.
Market Potential: The market potential in countries like India, China, and Brazil is immense due to the large populations, increasing healthcare infrastructure, and government-backed initiatives aimed at improving elderly care. Additionally, affordable manufacturing in these regions is helping to lower production costs for patient handling equipment.
Technological Integration: The integration of smart features, such as automated patient lifts and monitoring systems, is transforming patient handling equipment. This trend is expected to reduce manual handling risks, increase operational efficiency, and enhance patient safety.