Aloka, the largest dedicated ultrasound company in the world, is gearing up to increase its market presence in China. Currently, the company holds around 20 per cent of US $8 billion Chinese market in ultrasound. Going by the transformation in the Chinese economic and healthcare policies, Aloka is working out a strategy to get a substantial share of the market with technological innovations. The main competition in the ultrasound market is from global players like GE Medical Systems, Phillips and Siemens. There are also several companies from China which are competing in the market in terms of low pricing, but when it comes to quality Aloka has the edge, stated a company source.
The major reason attributed for the growth in the segment is the Chinese government's global outlook since recent times giving a boost to the economic development of the country. The government focussed on the formation of a health policy, which is driving the medical equipment market. A product like ultra sound stands to gain because it is the basic requirement for any diagnosis from surgery, women's healthcare, emergency medicine, musculoskeletal disease, peripheral vascular to urology, general medicine and veterinary. The positive outlook of the Chinese government has led to a spurt in medical delivery systems. More hospitals and importance to basic facilities in healthcare are emerging and these are the key growth drivers. There is a huge opportunity in China for ultra sound systems, stated the source.
In the wake of such potential opportunities, Aloka, which has the advantage of being an innovator in ultrasound for more than five decades, is now keen to expand the market. The company has the advantage to widen its market because it is also recognized for the launch of the world's first colour ultra sound. It is also well known for the compact, portable systems and powerful consoles. Its brand ProSound launched in 1996, has more than 12,000 installations worldwide.
The Tokyo-based company has a China office to address the specific market needs. The company's research, development and manufacturing operations are in Japan. It has a sales and services across the globe. There is also a team of clinical applications' representatives strategically located throughout Japan to support customers.