Some facts about medical devices:

1. Less than 14% of the world population (USA, EU, Japan) consumes 80% of the global medical device market, i.e. 80% of about $200 billions^[1,2]

2. “From the simplest of health care systems to the most advanced,
in rich and poor countries alike,
they [health technologies] form the backbone of health services” ^[3]

3. “..over 50% of the medical equipment in developing countries is not functioning,
not used correctly or not maintained” ^[3]

4. “A new philosophy of product development and innovation that reflects
the reality of bottom of the pyramid markets will be needed.” ^[4]
“Quantum jumps in price performance are required
to cater to bottom of the pyramid markets.”^[4]
“Marginal changes to products developed for rich countries
in the United states, Europe or Japan will not do.” ^[4]

[1] “The Business of Healthcare Innovation”. Cambridge Univ. Press. 2005, p283.
[2] EurActiv.com, 2006, http://www.euractiv.com/en/health/medical-devices/article-117519
[3] WHO: “towards a WHO model of essential medical devices”2003
[4] C.K. Pralahad, “The fortune and the bottom of the pyramid”,
Wharton School publishing, 2005