EU fetal, neonatal monitoring market expanding
The use of fetal and neonatal monitoring and diagnostics is growing in the European Union due to a combination of higher awareness among expectant mothers about the advantages of sophisticated monitoring, as well as the non-invasiveness and greater safety offered by new prenatal diagnostic techniques, according to an analysis from market research firm Frost & Sullivan.
The European market for fetal and neonatal monitoring equipment earned revenues of $130.9 million in 2008, and Frost & Sullivan estimated the market to hit $161.2 by 2012. The average age of Europe’s maternal population has been increasing gradually and advances in technology, coupled with improvements in in vitro fertilization, have led to greater success rates, the firm stated.
“Progress in fertilization technology has resulted in most patients over the age of 35 being advised for in vitro fertilization,” noted Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Janani Narasimhan. “This has boosted the rate of multiple pregnancies, as well as increased the possibility of a mother delivering prematurely. As the number of premature births rises, the demand for neonatal monitoring devices has risen.”
In addition, hospitals have a growing need for new patient monitoring systems that support improved viewing of neonates’ monitored parameters and provide an alarm during emergencies from any bed, according to the company.
To remain competitive, leading market participants often bundle products, combining them with heavy discounts, Frost & Sullivan found. In most cases, group purchasing organizations (GPO) demand discounts from manufacturers--a move that affects smaller market participants, the company stated.
“GPOs have sufficient power influence and control the market share of many products, and impose additional pressure on these participants by encouraging the purchase of comprehensive packages from a single vendor,” concluded Narasimhan. “Smaller fetal and neonatal monitoring equipment companies are finding it extremely challenging to offer products at a discounted rate with the aim of attracting more customers while maintaining a steady flow of revenues."
The European market for fetal and neonatal monitoring equipment earned revenues of $130.9 million in 2008, and Frost & Sullivan estimated the market to hit $161.2 by 2012. The average age of Europe’s maternal population has been increasing gradually and advances in technology, coupled with improvements in in vitro fertilization, have led to greater success rates, the firm stated.
“Progress in fertilization technology has resulted in most patients over the age of 35 being advised for in vitro fertilization,” noted Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Janani Narasimhan. “This has boosted the rate of multiple pregnancies, as well as increased the possibility of a mother delivering prematurely. As the number of premature births rises, the demand for neonatal monitoring devices has risen.”
In addition, hospitals have a growing need for new patient monitoring systems that support improved viewing of neonates’ monitored parameters and provide an alarm during emergencies from any bed, according to the company.
To remain competitive, leading market participants often bundle products, combining them with heavy discounts, Frost & Sullivan found. In most cases, group purchasing organizations (GPO) demand discounts from manufacturers--a move that affects smaller market participants, the company stated.
“GPOs have sufficient power influence and control the market share of many products, and impose additional pressure on these participants by encouraging the purchase of comprehensive packages from a single vendor,” concluded Narasimhan. “Smaller fetal and neonatal monitoring equipment companies are finding it extremely challenging to offer products at a discounted rate with the aim of attracting more customers while maintaining a steady flow of revenues."