Business Times, July 21, 2010

THE consumption of medical devices in Malaysia is expected to grow to US$1.7 billion (RM5.47 billion) in 2012, backed by the country's strategic location and friendly investment laws.

In a statement, Association of Malaysia Medical Industries (AMMI) said this has made the country a new target for the medical industry.

"The medical industry are keen to establish manufacturing bases to serve rising national demand as well as Southeast Asia's growing and increasingly wealthy population," it said.

AMMI said Malaysia is already the world's leading supplier of medical gloves and catheters, supplying 80 per cent of catheters and 60 per cent of rubber gloves from 179 manufacturing companies.

The demand for medical equipment and pharmaceuticals are forecasted to grow by 15 per cent per annum.

At present, Malaysia imports 85 per cent of its medical equipment.

Given the promising scenario, AMMI, with full support from the Ministry of Health will organise the Asia International Medical Supplies, Equipment and Technology exhibition and conference from October 11-13 next year in Kuala Lumpur.

At Asia Medical 2011, AMMI said exhibitors from all over the world will display a full range of products and technology.

This include among others dental equipment, diagnostics, electromedical devices, laboratory equipment and medical consumables.

AMMI said the surge in demand for private healthcare will also be key drivers of growth for Malaysia's medical industry.

"The growth is attributed to government support under the five-year Economic Development Plan," AMMI said.

Furthermore, the government has approved licences for 45 new private hospitals, raising the number of private beds to 15,178 while the public sector accounts for another 39,000 beds.

In 1980, Malaysia had 1,171 private beds. The number grew to 11,689 in 209 private hospitals in 2008.

The event to be held next year is organised by the country's largest exhibition organiser, Malaysian Exhibition Services Sdn Bhd.