Global Hospital Stretchers Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032
Global Hospital Stretchers Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032
The global hospital stretchers market size was valued at USD 2.9 billion in 2023. It is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.37% reaching a value of USD 4.6 billion by 2032. The key drivers of the global hospital stretchers market are the increasing incidence of chronic diseases, aging population, rising demand for emergency and trauma care, technological advancements, as well as growing healthcare expenditure.
Hospital stretchers are medical equipment that is used to transport patients within or outside a healthcare facility. They are also used for diagnosis, examination, surgery, and recovery of patients. Hospital stretchers can be classified into fixed-height, adjustable, bariatric, radiographic, and others based on their features and applications.
Global Hospital Stretchers Market Drivers and Constraints
Some of the key drivers of the global hospital stretchers market are:
- The increasing incidence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and respiratory disorders, which require frequent hospitalization and medical interventions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic diseases are responsible for 71% of the global deaths in 2016.
- The aging population, which is more prone to various health conditions and injuries that need hospital care. According to the United Nations, the number of people aged 60 years and above is expected to increase from 962 million in 2017 to 2.1 billion in 2050.
- The rising demand for emergency and trauma care, which necessitates the rapid and safe transportation of patients within or outside the hospital.
- Technological advancements, which have led to the development of innovative and sophisticated hospital stretchers that offer better comfort, functionality, and safety for the patients and caregivers. For example, the Hill-Rom 900 Accella stretcher, which has a pressure redistribution surface, an integrated scale, and a battery backup.
Some of the key constraints of the global hospital stretchers market are:
- The high cost of advanced stretchers, which limits their affordability and adoption, especially in developing and underdeveloped regions. The average price of a motorized stretcher ranges from USD 10,000 to USD 20,000, while a non-motorized stretcher costs around USD 1,000 to USD 5,000.
- The lack of skilled personnel, who can operate, maintain, and repair the hospital stretchers, especially the ones with complex features and technologies. This can pose challenges for the optimal utilization and performance of the stretchers, as well as increase the risk of errors and accidents.
- The stringent regulatory policies, which govern the design, manufacturing, testing, and approval of the hospital stretchers. The stretch>ers have to comply with various standards and regulations of the respective regions, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in Europe, and the Medical Devices Regulation (MDR) in India. This can increase the time, cost, and complexity of the product development and launch.
Global Hospital Stretchers Market Trends and Development
Here are some of the latest market trends for the global hospital stretchers market:
- Increased Demand for Bariatric Stretchers: With the rising prevalence of obesity worldwide, there is a growing demand for bariatric stretchers designed to safely transport heavier patients. These stretchers are typically reinforced and have wider dimensions to accommodate larger individuals.
- Technological Advancements: The hospital stretchers market is witnessing technological innovations such as the integration of hydraulic and electric systems for easier height adjustment and maneuverability. Advanced features like built-in scales and enhanced patient comfort features are also becoming more common.
- Rise in Ambulatory Surgical Centers: The growth of ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) is driving the demand for hospital stretchers, as these centers require efficient patient transportation systems for day surgeries and outpatient procedures.
- Emergency and Transport Stretchers: There is an increasing demand for emergency and transport stretchers in response to the growing need for efficient patient transportation in emergency situations and within hospital premises.
- Focus on Patient Safety and Comfort: Manufacturers are emphasizing the development of stretchers with improved safety features such as better braking systems and side rails, as well as enhanced comfort features like adjustable backrests and mattress options.
- Expansion in Developing Markets: The hospital stretchers market is expanding in developing regions due to increasing healthcare infrastructure, rising healthcare expenditures, and growing medical tourism in countries like India, China, and Brazil.
- Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Materials: There is a trend towards using sustainable and eco-friendly materials in the manufacturing of hospital stretchers to reduce environmental impact and meet regulatory standards.
- Customization and Personalization: Hospitals are increasingly seeking customized stretchers that cater to their specific needs and preferences, leading to more personalized solutions in the market.
These trends indicate a dynamic and evolving market, driven by technological advancements, changing healthcare practices, and a focus on patient safety and comfort.
Global Hospital Stretchers Market Segmentation
Market Breakup by Type
- Fixed Height Stretchers
- Adjustable Stretchers
- Bariatric Stretchers
- Radiographic Stretchers
- Emergency Stretchers
- Procedural Stretchers
- Others
Market Breakup by Application
- Inpatient Department
- Outpatient Department
- Emergency Department
- Day Care Surgery Department
- Others
Market Breakup by Technology
- Manual Stretchers
- Powered Stretchers
- Hydraulic Stretchers
- Pneumatic Stretchers
- Electric Stretchers
Market Breakup by Material
- Metal Stretchers
- Non-metal Stretchers (plastic, composite materials, etc.)
Market Breakup by End Users
- Hospitals
- Ambulatory Surgical Centers
- Clinics
- Diagnostic Centers
- Others
Market Breakup by Region
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East and Africa
Global Hospital Stretchers Market Competitive Landscape
The global market for hospital beds is highly competitive and fragmented, with the presence of several large and small players. Some of the key players operating in this market are Stryker Corporation, Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc., Getinge AB, Invacare Corporation, Ferno-Washington, Inc., JMS North America Corporation, Medline Industries, Inc., Gendron, Inc., Merivaara Corp., GF Health Products, Inc. (Graham-Field), Span-America Medical Systems, Inc., Joh. Stiegelmeyer GmbH & Co. KG, Blue Chip Medical Products, Inc., Fu Shun Hsing Technology Co., Ltd. (FHC), Bicakcilar Tibbi Malzeme A.S. These players compete on various factors such as product innovation, quality, price, distribution network, and customer service. They also engage in strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and partnerships to expand their market share and geographic presence.