Saudi Arabia CT Scan Market Analysis

Saudi Arabia CT Scan Market Executive Summary

Saudi Arabia CT Scan Market was valued at $78.37 Mn in 2023 and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 9.37% from 2023 to 2030, to $146.7 Mn by 2030.

A CT scan, or computed tomography scan, is a sophisticated imaging procedure that uses X-rays to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the body. Unlike traditional X-rays, CT scans capture multiple views from various angles, which a computer then processes into a three-dimensional representation of internal structures such as organs, bones, and soft tissues. Before the scan, patients may prepare by wearing a gown and removing metal objects. Depending on the type of scan, they might need to ingest a contrast material to enhance the visibility of specific tissues. During the scan, patients lie on a table that moves through a donut-shaped scanner while X-ray images are taken. Afterward, a radiologist interprets the images to diagnose conditions like cancer, heart disease, bone fractures, internal bleeding, and injuries. While CT scans offer detailed diagnostic capabilities, they involve radiation exposure and can be costly, though advancements have minimized risks and enhanced safety. Other imaging options like X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI scans are considered based on specific medical needs and radiation concerns.

In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of chronic diseases is notable, with diabetes mellitus affecting 14.8% of males and 11.7% of females, and hypertension impacting 17.7% of males and 12.5% of females. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a prevalence of 2.4%, while end-stage renal disease (ESRD) affects 0.05% of the population. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is highly prevalent in the Northern Borders Province, with 61% of adults in Arar City affected. Obesity is particularly widespread in Hail at 63.6%, and diabetes prevalence in the Eastern Province is 17.2%. For diagnosing acute cholecystitis (AC), which has a 24% prevalence rate, CT scans demonstrate a sensitivity of 81.3% and specificity of 62.5%, outperforming ultrasound (US) in sensitivity (37.9%).

The market therefore is driven by significant factors like the aging population, growing population, and government investments in healthcare. However, cost considerations, limited access to CT scanners, and radiation exposure concerns restrict the growth and potential of the market.

A prominent player in this field is GE Healthcare, which launched a new refurbishing unit in Bangladesh for A1-Sure Ultrasound Systems, aiming to enhance accessibility to affordable ultrasound technology in developing regions, and Siemens Healthineers partnered with Microsoft to utilize Azure cloud services for AI-powered medical imaging solutions, aimed at advancing healthcare delivery with secure and scalable cloud computing. Other contributors include Canon Medical Systems, and NeuroLogica Corp. among others.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Rising Burden of Chronic Diseases: Saudi Arabia faces a growing prevalence of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. These conditions often require CT scans for diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and follow-up. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that non-communicable diseases account for over 70% of deaths in Saudi Arabia.

Increasing Government Investment in Healthcare: The Saudi government is actively investing in upgrading healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to medical technologies. This includes initiatives to increase the availability of CT scanners in hospitals and diagnostic centers.

Growing Aging Population: The population of Saudi Arabia is aging, with a projected increase in the proportion of individuals over 65 years old. This age group is more susceptible to medical conditions often requiring CT scans. Statistics from the World Bank indicate that by 2050, the percentage of people over 65 in Saudi Arabia will reach nearly 12%.

Technological Advancements: Recent advancements in CT scan technologies provide numerous benefits, such as lower radiation doses that increase patient safety, quicker scan times that enhance patient comfort and workflow efficiency, and superior image quality with higher resolution for more accurate diagnoses.

Market Restraints

High Costs: CT scans can be expensive, with the cost varying depending on the type of scan, contrast material used, and facility fees. While specific data on average CT scan costs in Saudi Arabia is limited, industry reports suggest a range between $500 - $1,500 per scan.

Limited Access in Remote Areas: Despite government initiatives, access to CT scans may be limited in remote areas of Saudi Arabia. This can create disparities in healthcare access for certain populations.

Radiation Exposure Concerns: Despite advancements, there's still a small risk associated with CT scans. This may lead to some healthcare providers and patients being cautious about unnecessary CT scans.

Regulatory Landscape and Reimbursement Scenario

The Saudi Arabian CT scan market is regulated by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), which mandates that all CT scanners must be registered before use or marketing in the country to ensure they meet safety and performance standards. Manufacturers and distributors are required to comply with international quality management systems like ISO 13485. Additionally, hospitals and clinics must obtain licenses from the Ministry of Health (MoH) to operate CT scanners, ensuring qualified personnel and proper operation. Regulations also emphasize radiation safety, including protocols for minimizing exposure, mandatory training for operators, and requirements for monitoring and reporting radiation levels.

The reimbursement scenario for CT scans in Saudi Arabia involves both public and private financing. The Saudi Arabian Health Insurance System (SEHIS), a government-sponsored program, covers medically necessary CT scans with specific guidelines, often requiring pre-authorization and physician justification based on the patient's diagnosis. Reimbursement rates may differ depending on whether the hospital is part of the public or private network. Private health insurance plans are also common and offer varying coverage for CT scans depending on the plan details. Patients may need to pay co-payments, deductibles, or a portion of the CT scan costs, depending on their insurance coverage.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

Here are some of the major key players in the Saudi Arabia CT Scan Market:

• GE HealthCare
• Koninklijke Philips N.V.
• Siemens Healthineers AG
• Canon Medical Systems
• NeuroLogica Corp.
• Shanghai United Imaging Healthcare Co., Ltd.
• Fujifilm Holdings Corporation
• Shenzhen Anke High-tech Co., Ltd.
• Koning Health
• Carestream Dental LLC.