Thailand targets regional dominance in medical equipment production
Thailand is aiming to be the Asean region’s hub for medical equipment production by 2027, under a target announced by the Industry Ministry on Friday.
Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said the business had grown at an average 4.09 per cent per year from 2015-2019, due mainly to demand from ageing consumers.
Meanwhile heightened demand during the Covid-19 pandemic has caused shortages of certain types of medical equipment.
Suriya said he has assigned the Industrial Economics Office to draft an action plan for medical equipment industry development (2020-2027) with the goal of becoming the regional manufacturing centre.
The office's director-general Thongchai Chawalitpichaet said the action plan will focus on providing incentives to invest in production, especially of advanced technology.
It will also help manufacturers access the market by promoting the use of locally made equipment in state-run hospitals and exploring opportunities in international markets.
