This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.
Last Published: 11/21/2019

Overview
The Dominican market for medical equipment is mainly supplied by imports, about 75 percent of which comes from the United States. The import market is expected to continue growing about ten percent over the next two years and U.S. suppliers will continue playing a large role. The expected growth over the next years is mainly driven by increased medical tourism, Dominican Social Security law requirements, continued hospital growth (to cover the demand of the local population as well as of international visitors).  Also the construction and remodeling of public hospitals, which since 2015 is part of the General Health Plan developed by the present Administration, will support the demand of medical equipment and other related products.

 

 201720182019
(estimated)
Total Market Size298328361
Total Local Production222
Total Exports111
Total Imports297327360
Imports from the U.S.223245270
                                                                                                                   Unit: (Millions of U.S. Dollars)
                                                                                                                   Exchange rate: RD$50.30 – US$1
                                                                                                                  Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Indicators Division

Most medical equipment, supplies and hospital furniture obtained by public and private hospitals and clinics are coming from the United States. The Dominican market prefers U.S. sources if the prices are competitive.  Among the factors that maintain and support American exports of medical equipment and supplies to the Dominican Republic are:  the reputation as manufacturers of good quality equipment, quick delivery time, proximity with the U.S. that reduces shipping charges, and small order accommodations.  Also, many Dominican physicians are trained in the U.S. and are more comfortable and confident with U.S. products.
 
The Dominican Republic has become a destination for preventive medicine, orthopedics, cosmetic surgical procedures, weight loss surgery, cardiology, organ transplant, oncology, eye surgery, and dental procedures. The medical community has begun to take advantage of the tourist flow, developing attractive packages for medical tourism. 

To succeed in the Dominican medical equipment market, it is advisable to have a local distributor that provides after-sales and leasing services, supports guarantees, and maintains inventories for parts and supplies. Exporting directly to private hospitals is extremely difficult and procurement practices in public hospitals indicate that all purchases, mainly via public tender, can only be awarded to locally based companies. Local importers and distributors of equipment have sales agents who distribute the products to small retailers throughout the country.  Local distributors also conduct promotional activities to encourage physicians and
nurses to use and recommend their products.
 
In the Dominican Republic there is extensive production of surgical instruments and supplies and medical devices. However, the majority of this production is exported through the free trade zone (FTZ) program.  Import statistics reflect large importations of parts for medical equipment, which are then reassembled in the FTZs for re-export.

Leading Sub-Sectors
  • Electro-medical equipment: electro-surgical instruments, electro-diagnostic apparatus
  • Homecare equipment (for respiratory and sleep related illnesses)
  • Surgical Instruments and Disposable supplies
  • Orthopedic Devices
  • Diagnostic Imaging equipment
  • Ultrasonic Scanning Apparatus
  • Patient monitoring systems 
  • Daily living aids
  • Mobility products, and
  • Hospital furniture 


Opportunities

The implementation of Social Security Law No. 87-01 will continue to influence changes in the structure and cost of the Dominican Republic’s health care system.  The increase in medical tourism also represents opportunities for American exporters of all types of medical equipment and hospital furniture.
 
Web Resources

Maria Elena Portorreal, Regional Senior Commercial Specialist;
Maria.portorreal@tradel.gov
Dominican Ministry of Public Health:  https://www.msp.gob.do
Superintendence for Healthcare and Labor Risks: http://www.sisalril.gov.do
 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.