Brazilian Medical Device Sector: national supply, imports and investments

Since the domestic supply of medical devices in Brazil is not able to fulfill the Brazilian increasing demand, imports continue to be an important resource. In 2012, the country imported approximately $4 billion in medical equipment and it can hit $9 billion over the next 2 years.

To prevent Brazil from becoming too dependent on imported medical device products, the Brazilian government is trying to change this scenario. Public and private investment in healthcare research may reach $7 billion over the next four years (almost 0,30% of the GDP). These assets come from the National Bank of Economic Development (BNDES), Brazilian Innovation Agency (FINEP), National Health Ministry, Science and Technology Ministry and Pharmaceutics’ Labs. The research agenda is guided by the needs of the Brazilian Healthcare Public System (SUS).

References: http://www.qmed.com/news/brazilian-medical-device-imports-hit-9-billion-2018?cid=nl_qmed_daily

http://www.anpei.org.br/imprensa/noticias/pesquisa-em-saude-tera-investimento-de-r-13-bilhoes-em-quatro-anos/

Human Health Framework in the 21st Century

To understand the global framework of the 7 billion citizens’ health, the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) along with other institutions promoted a worldwide project called Global Burden of Disease. Described as “the largest study of its kind and the first such study since 1990”, the project intends to make a list of the main causes of death and disability, and brings together about 500 scientists from 50 nations.

One of the findings shows the decline in children’s mortality rate due to improvements  in infectious disease control with sanitation and vaccines. Another finding is the increase of life expectancy, but, unfortunately, people are spending their  later years in poor health as a result of chronic diseases (cancer, diabetes, etc). The leading causes of death are: Ischemic Heart Diseases, Lower Respiratory Infections, Stroke, Diarrheal Disease, HIV/AIDS.

To check the pdf version of the HSPH infographic, go to: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/files/2013/05/HPHSPRING2013infographic.pdf

References: http://www.mddionline.com/blog/devicetalk/global-burden-disease