TEHRAN – Some 90 percent of medical equipment used in hospitals is domestically manufactured.

However, three devices with complicated technology are imported, ISNA reported.

On May 12, Ahmad Moslemi, a health ministry official, said with 50 percent of medical devices being domestically manufactured, Iran holds the first place in West Asia for producing medical equipment both in terms of quantity and diversity, Iranian-made medical devices worth around $50 million are exported to 40 countries annually, IRNA quoted  Moslemi as saying.

Over the past five years, the number of manufacturing companies has increased fivefold with some 2,000 companies operating now, he noted.

Moreover,  the official said, the number of products has increased fourfold. Equipment such as implants as well as advanced medical devices are manufactured in the country as well.

In addition, the country's medical centers have been equipped with some 15,000 new hospital beds have been added to with 90 percent of the equipment produced locally, Moslemi added.

Rise in medical exports

More than 70 percent of medical equipment and 100 percent of normal hospital beds are domestically made, Abdolreza Yaqoubzadeh, the head of Iran’s Union of Medical Equipment Manufacturers and Exporters, said in January.

Also, over 95 percent of specific ICU and CCU beds and more than 85 percent of operating room medical equipment such as anesthesia machines and other equipment are manufactured with cutting-edge technology in the country, IRNA quoted Yaqoubzadeh as saying.

He went on to say that the country's need for medical equipment production is three to four billion dollars per year, some one billion dollars of which is imported.

Iran experienced a significant rise in exports of medicine and medical equipment in the first four months of the past Iranian calendar year that ended on March 19.

“Exports of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment grew by 300 percent in the first four months of the year,” IRNA quoted Heidar Mohammadi, the head of the Food and Drug Administration, as saying. 

Currently, the production of medicine, medical equipment, and powdered milk is supported by subsidies. So, their exports were very limited, but it is hoped that their exports will increase next year, he explained.

Iran Health Expo 2024

The 25th international exhibition on medical, dental, pharmaceutical, and laboratory equipment (Iran Health Expo 2024) kicked off at the Tehran Permanent International Fairgrounds on May 19 and will wrap up tomorrow (today).

More than 600 companies are showcasing their latest findings and products in consumable and non-consumable medical, dental, laboratory, and pharmaceutical equipment at the exhibition, ISNA reported.

The distinguishing feature of this year's expo, compared to last year’s edition, is the focus on emerging manufacturing and knowledge-based companies and startups in the medical equipment industry, offering a wide range of health-oriented products.

This year’s exhibition presents a unique opportunity for the emergence and introduction of startups and small to medium-sized knowledge-based companies while showcasing their capabilities and innovation.

Iran Health aims to develop health technologies in the country, enhance the global competitiveness of Iranian knowledge-based companies in markets, expand the exports of knowledge-based and technological firms in the health sector, and form domestic and foreign technological consortia in Iran and global markets.

Sharing experiences of health technology development as well as attracting foreign investment in the field of health are among other important goals of holding the exhibition.

MT/MG