Vietnam – Medical technology market: In recent years, Vietnam has developed into one of the most dynamic medical technology markets in South-East Asia. Whilst ‘Made in Germany’ has long been regarded as a key quality assurance, market mechanisms, procurement strategies and competitive conditions are changing noticeably. For international medical technology companies – particularly those from Europe – the market continues to offer substantial opportunities, but requires a significantly more nuanced market entry and business model than was the case just a few years ago.
April 2026, Healthcare provision in Vietnam varies significantly from region to region. The country’s economic and medical hub is in the south, particularly in the Ho Chi Minh City metropolitan area and the neighbouring provinces of Binh Duong and Can Tho. A high proportion of public and private hospitals, diagnostic centres and specialist medical facilities are located there. However, there are also large hospitals in Hanoi and Đà Nẵng. Private clinics are growing rapidly, particularly in the major cities.
Pharmacies can be found in abundance in the capital cities such as Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, on high streets, in shopping centres and at local markets. Pharmacy chains such as Pharmacity and Vistar Pharmacy are open until midnight.
Marketsize, growth and dependence on imports
Vietnam has a population of just under 100 million and is seeing a steady rise in healthcare spending. Market research firms forecast average annual market growth of between 8.9% and 9.9% until the end of the decade. The market size is estimated at around USD 2.2 billion for 2029.
The market is heavily import-driven: around 90% of medical technology requirements are imported. Germany is the most important trading partner from the EU, accounting for around 11% of imports. This high dependence on imports makes Vietnam fundamentally open to international suppliers, but at the same time intensifies price competition.
Demographic and epidemiological drivers
A key driver of growth is demographic change. The proportion of people aged over 65 stood at 8.1% in 2024 and is growing at a disproportionately high rate. At the same time, the prevalence of chronic conditions is rising significantly. Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, oncological conditions, and musculoskeletal and neurological disorders are increasing sharply. According to the WHO, an estimated 70–80% of the population suffers from untreated high blood pressure or diabetes. Late diagnosis remains a key structural problem.
The hospital landscape and the role of the private sector
The Vietnam medical technology market has around 1,650 public and private hospitals. The public sector continues to dominate, accounting for around 94% of bed capacity. At the same time, the private sector is gaining in importance. Large private hospital groups such as Vinmec, FV Hospital, Hoàn Mỹ Medical, Tâm Anh and Xuyên Á have established themselves. In recent years, there have been the first takeovers by international operators, including some from Singapore, which points to increasing consolidation.
Private hospitals and diagnostic facilities are considered particularly relevant target customers for high-quality medical technology, as they are more willing to pay and have greater flexibility when it comes to investment.
Government reforms and the 2021–2030 Master Plan
With its 2021–2030 Master Plan, the Vietnamese government is pursuing a comprehensive reform of the healthcare system. Key measures include the near-universal introduction of basic health insurance, the planned provision of free basic treatment in state hospitals by 2030, and the reduction of private co-payments from the current 45% to 30%.
From 2026, nationwide free health checks are planned, including laboratory tests, diagnostic imaging and ultrasound scans. In addition, 21 provincial hospitals are to be upgraded and several specialist clinics established. Six selected hospitals are to be brought up to international standards in order to promote medical tourism and retain affluent patients within the country.
Digitalisation and regulatory frameworks
Another key focus is on the digitalisation of the healthcare sector. Electronic patient records, hospital information systems, digital payment processes, telemedicine and other technologies are to be introduced gradually. The digital infrastructure on the patient side is already well developed (by 2024, almost 90% of the population were using smartphones), whilst many medical facilities are still in the early stages of implementation.
At the same time, the regulations governing medical devices were amended to strengthen quality, market surveillance and compliance. However, the repeal of the Procurement Decree in April 2023 marked a major turning point. Following this, medical devices with approvals from EU member states and other industrialised countries were permitted to participate in tenders. Since then, however, price has been the primary deciding factor in public tenders, provided that minimum technical requirements are met. This has significantly increased competitive pressure and enabled Chinese suppliers in particular to gain market share.
Product segments with high demand
Medical technology solutions are in particularly high demand in the fields of cardiovascular diagnostics and therapy, imaging techniques, in vitro diagnostics, ophthalmology, diabetes care, dentistry, surgery, orthopaedics, nephrology, urology, ENT, anaesthesia, respiratory care, neurology and mobility aids.
Market entry and strategic options
Product registrations are handled by the Infrastructure and Medical Device Administration (IMDA). European companies can either set up their own branches or work with local importers and distribution partners.
Today, tailored strategies are key to success: optimising cost structures, offering differentiated product portfolios, focusing on the private sector, forming strategic partnerships with local manufacturers, and exploring on-site assembly or manufacturing options. Government incentives for localisation and technology transfer are becoming increasingly important.
Outlook
Despite growing price sensitivity and regulatory complexity, Vietnam remains a highly attractive growth market. The combination of demographic change, rising incomes and long-term government commitment to the healthcare sector offers substantial opportunities – particularly for medical technology companies with a long-term outlook and a local market strategy.
Juli 2025 – Medizintechnikmarkt Kambodscha – Die Zeiten, in denen sich die Bevölkerung Kambodschas in Tempelanlagen wie Neak Pean – dem „Krankenhaus des 12. Jahrhunderts“ – mit Bädern in den vier Elementen behandeln ließ, sind längst vorbei. Ebenso die dunkle Ära der Roten Khmer. Dennoch gehört das Land weiterhin zu den ärmsten der Welt. Doch im Gesundheitswesen zeichnet sich ein deutlicher Wandel ab: Der Medizintechnikmarkt befindet sich in einer dynamischen Wachstumsphase
In den letzten 20 Jahren haben sich die Gesundheitsausgaben versechsfacht. Aktuellen Prognosen zufolge wird der Markt 2025 einen Umsatz von rund 95 Mio. Euro erreichen und bis 2029 auf 125 Mio. Euro anwachsen – das ist eine jährliche Wachstumsrate von 7,28 Prozent. Dieser Auf schwung wird von staatlichen Investitionen und internationalen Partnerschaften getragen.
Strukturelle Herausforderungen im Gesundheitssektor
Trotz der positiven Entwicklung bleibt die medizinische Versorgung in Kambodscha mangelhaft. Das Pro-Kopf-Einkommen liegt bei nur 1.500 US-Dollar (2020), und rund 90 Prozent der Beschäftigten arbeiten in der informellen Wirtschaft ohne ausreichende Absicherung. Die Bevölkerung trägt etwa zwei Drittel der Gesundheitskosten selbst, während der Rest durch staatliche Mittel und internationale Hilfsorganisationen finanziert wird.
Die Qualität der medizinischen Versorgung in Kambodscha ist insgesamt sehr gering. Die Gründe sind das niedrige Pro-Kop-Einkommen, das Fehlen einer flächendeckenden Krankenversicherung und die unzureichende Absicherung der Beschäftigten in der informellen Wirtschaft. Verglichen mit anderen asiatischen Ländern – insbesondere dem Nachbarland Vietnam – ist Kambodscha mit 17,4 Mio. Einwohnern ein kleines Land. Schätzungen gehen davon aus, dass die Bevölkerung bis 2034 auf 19,5 Mio. ansteigen wird.
Die Altersstruktur ist relativ jung: 46,9 Prozent der Einwohner ist zwischen 25 und 64 Jahre alt. Aufgrund des erheblichen Rückgangs der Säuglingssterblichkeit sind heute 30 Prozent der Menschen zwischen 0 und 14 Jahre alt.
Das 2023 eröffnete staatliche Techo Santepheap National Hospital in Phnom Penh mit über 10.000 Betten ist ein Beispiel für die Bemühungen der Regierung, die Infrastruktur zu verbessern. Zudem wurden iin der Vergangenheit zahlreiche “Freundschaftskrankenhäuser” mit ausländischer Unterstützung errichtet, …
Cambodia – opportunities in a growing sector of Medical Technolgoy – the times when the people of Cambodia were treated with baths in the four elements in temples such as Neak Pean – the ‘hospital of the 12th century’ – are long gone. Likewise the dark era of the Khmer Rouge. Nevertheless, the country is still one of the poorest in the world. However, a clear change is emerging in the healthcare sector: the medical technology market is in a dynamic growth phase.
June 2025, in the last 20 years, healthcare expenditure has increased six-fold. According to current forecasts, the market will reach a turnover of around 95 million euros in 2025 and grow to 125 million euros by 2029 – an annual growth rate of 7.28%. This upturn will be fuelled by government investment and international partnerships.
Structural challenges in the healthcare sector
In Cambodia are opportunities in a growing sector of medical technology. The positive development, medical care in Cambodia remains inadequate. Per capita income is only USD 1,500 (2020), and around 90% of those employed work in the informal economy without adequate cover. The population bears around two thirds of healthcare costs themselves, while the rest is financed by state funds and international aid organisations.
The overall quality of medical care in Cambodia is very low. The reasons for this are the low per capita income, the lack of comprehensive health insurance and the inadequate coverage of employees in the informal economy. Compared to other Asian countries – in particular its neighbour Vietnam – Cambodia is a small country with a population of 17.4 million. It is estimated that the population will increase to 19.5 million by 2034. The age structure is relatively young: 46.9% of the population is between 25 and 64 years old. Due to the significant decline in infant mortality, 30% of people are now between 0 and 14 years old.
The state-run Techo Santepheap National Hospital in Phnom Penh, which opened in 2023 with over 10,000 beds, is an example of the government’s efforts to improve infrastructure. In addition, numerous ‘friendship hospitals’ have been built with foreign support in the past, including by Japan, France and South Korea (USD 66 million for the University of Health Sciences Hospital in Phnom Penh).
At the same time, the private healthcare sector is growing thanks to the establishment of new branches by foreign hospital companies. For example, the Thai healthcare group Bangkok Dusit Medical Services has built the Royal Phnom Penh Hospital and the Royal Angkor International Hospital. The Sunrise Japan Hospital in Phnom Penh is operated by Japanese investors and relies on modern medical technology.
Growth areas and market opportunities for medical technology
The demand for medical equipment is increasing, particularly in the following areas:
Diagnostics: Ultrasound, CT and MRI equipment
Telemedicine: solutions for rural care (70% of the population live outside the cities)
Chronic diseases: Diabetes care
Dental technology: Favourable treatments attract medical tourists
Protective equipment: hygiene products
Devices for geriatric medicine: the over-65 age group, which currently accounts for 6% of the total population, will grow in the coming years
Medicines and food supplements
As private hospitals and international clinics increase, there is also a need for high-quality equipment – however, the solutions must be cost-effective and easy to use, as there is a shortage of skilled labour.
The following documents are required for registration:
Application form
Letter of Authorisation (LoA)
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
ISO/GMP certificate
Technical dossier (according to Prakas 2138 and the CSDT template according to ASEAN MDD standard)
The product labelling should be in Khmer and the certification is valid for three years.
Conclusion: Attractive entry opportunities for German providers
Despite financial and structural hurdles, Cambodia offers promising prospects for medical technology manufacturers. The growing private sector, government investment and increasing demand for affordable but reliable solutions are creating good market entry opportunities – especially for companies that offer cost-effective and user-friendly devices.
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European industry association for digital assistive technology DATEurope founded in early 2021. DAT includes aids for communication, for the blind and visually impaired, for environmental control, assistive call systems, software tools and robotics.
