The Middle East And Africa Digital X-Ray Devices Market size is estimated at USD 5.23 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 7.20 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.58% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
COVID-19 had a significant impact on the market studied. However, the utilization of digital X-rays was increased during the pandemic as it helped to diagnose the presence of coronavirus in the lungs. For instance, as per the article published in the South Africa Journal of Radiology in January 2022, the chest X-ray played a crucial role in detecting the coronavirus across the general population in South Africa.
Additionally, the study has underlined the significance of portable X-ray devices for easy access to diagnostics during the pandemic. Hence, it was observed that the utilization of digital X-rays during the COVID-19 period was high, which impacted the market positively across the region. However, the market is currently growing at a stable pace owing to the resumption of diagnostic procedures, and it is expected to witness a similar trend over the coming years.
Some factors, such as the increasing prevalence of orthopedic diseases and cancers, an increasing spectrum of applications associated with digital X-rays, and the rising adoption of advanced technologies, propel the overall market growth in GCC countries. For instance, according to the study published in the MDPI Journal in March 2023, knee OA increases with age, reaching up to 60.6% in persons aged 66-75 years compared to 30.8% in those aged 46-55 in Saudi Arabia in 2021. 39.75% of the population, including 53.3% of men and 60.9% of females
Furthermore, several companies are continuously launching products associated with digital radiography. For example, in March 2021, the Philips Foundation successfully implemented artificial intelligence (AI) software developed by Delft Imaging in 11 South African hospitals to help triage and monitor COVID-19 patients via X-ray imaging. Additionally, in May 2021, Agfa launched the SmartXR artificial intelligence portfolio at Arab Health 2021. The trailblazing SmartXR portfolio uses artificial intelligence to increase direct radiography (DR) solutions' operational efficiency and clinical performance in the X-ray room or at the point of care. Such developments by the companies in the Middle East and Africa region indicate the high adoption of digital X-rays across the major countries, fueling the growth of the market studied.
Thus, all the factors above, such as the rising prevalence of orthopedic diseases and product launches by market players, are expected to boost the market over the forecast period. However, high initial costs of installation and high device costs may restrain the market over the forecast period.
The major factors contributing to the growth of this segment in South Africa include the high geriatric population, which results in a high risk of cancer cases, and greater applications of digital X-rays in diagnosing many types of cancer.
South Africa has one of the highest cancer incidence rates in the sub-Saharan region. For instance, according to the study published in Breast Cancer Treatment and Therapy in September 2022, with 15.4 per 100,000 women, the eastern region of Saudi Arabia had the highest CIR for female breast cancer, followed by Makkah with 12.7 per 100,000 women and Riyadh with 12.0 per 100,000 women. As a result, there is a growing demand for better cancer diagnosis in its early stages, enabling the utilization of digital X-rays and ultimately contributing to market growth across the region.
Several major players implement strategic initiatives, thereby contributing to market growth. For instance, in February 2022, Pfizer renewed its partnerships with United Arab Emirates-based cancer patient societies Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) and Emirates Oncology Society to mark World Cancer Day. The pharmaceutical company has reinforced its commitment to advance oncology care, encourage early detection, and support cancer treatment in the country.
Thus, all factors above, such as the rising burden of cancer and the growing application of X-rays in cancer diagnosis, are expected to boost the segment's growth over the forecast period.
South Africa is one of the most significant developing economies across the globe. With the presence of key companies in the country, the availability of advanced devices is a high sense of key companies in the country, the availability of advanced devices is high. Additionally, the increased burden of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular conditions propels the demand for diagnostic imaging in the country.
Additionally, there has been an increasing involvement of various organizations in the field of digital radiography. For instance, in October 2021, the Department of Nuclear Medicine at the University of Pretoria collaborated with several international organizations and institutes to promote diagnostic imaging tools. Digital X-ray devices have several applications in diagnosing chronic disorders, fueling market growth. Thus, the growing disease burden and the collaborations of several organizations to create awareness about the diseases may fuel the market.
To improve chest X-ray imaging for TB, in March 2021, Western Cape MEC for Health Nomafrench Mbombo unveiled a mobile X-ray clinic at the Brooklyn Chest Hospital. Such initiatives in the country are expected to propel the growth of the digital X-ray device market in South Africa.
Thus, all the factors above are expected to boost the market over the forecast period.
The digital X-ray devices market in the Middle East and Africa is nearly consolidated and moderately competitive as per the competitive analysis, owing to the few companies currently dominating the market. These companies include GE Healthcare, Koninklijke Philips NV, Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, Siemens Healthineers, and Canon Medical System Corporation (Toshiba Corporation). The key players have also been involved in various strategic alliances, such as acquisitions and collaborations and the launch of advanced products to secure their position in the market.
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