Global
Despite significant advancements in healthcare, global systems continue to struggle with providing essential services. Rapid urbanization and industrialization have further intensified the burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are playing a pivotal role in strengthening Southeast Asia’s healthcare systems by expanding access, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering innovation amid growing demand and resource constraints.
The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, home to 60% of the global population, is emerging as a key market for global medical device companies. This shift is underscored by the potential of the APAC region, which encompasses a diverse array of cultures, languages, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and a healthcare market that has already surpassed Europe to become the second-largest market globally, right behind the United States.
Thailand’s healthcare system is rapidly evolving, driven by the government’s Thailand 4.0 vision and the Ministry of Public Health’s Digital Health Strategy (2021–2025). Health technology (Healthtech) is now a key driver in enhancing patient care, hospital efficiency, and accessibility.
The proliferation of health tech innovations is accelerating exponentially. In 2023, the global digital health market was estimated at USD 240.9 billion and projected to grow at a compound annual growth (CAGR) of 21.9% from 2024 to 2030. This growth has been further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in evolving markets in Asia Pacific.
Global medical tourism has experienced significant growth in the past few decades. This is fueled by the increasing accessibility of affordable travel as well as improved access to high-quality care in emerging markets as they provide a more attractive choice than developed nations.
Singapore’s status as a leading medical tourism destination is threatened as international patients opt for cheaper alternatives. Rising medical costs and intensified competition from regional players like Thailand and Malaysia also drive foreign patients away from Singapore.
Southeast Asia stands at a pivotal moment in healthcare development. While the region represents 8.5% of the world’s population, it accounts for only 1.4% of global healthcare expenditure, a disparity that signals both challenges and unprecedented opportunities.
Thailand is experiencing a significant demographic shift. By 2031, over 20% of its population will be aged 65 or older, making it a super-aging society. This rapid shift presents challenges for the healthcare system but also opens doors for innovation and collaboration.
Alzheimer’s disease, and other forms of dementia, are progressive neurological disorders that lead to memory loss, cognitive decline, and the eventual inability to carry out simple tasks. Currently, more than 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed each year with Alzheimer’s contributing up to 70% of these cases, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Ensuring patient safety in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape is crucial as we shift focus from longevity to living healthier, more vital lives through technological innovation and personalized care.
The medical devices market in Vietnam is set for growth. Ten years ago, it was valued at USD 645 million, with 92% of devices imported and limited domestic production. By 2027, the market is projected to reach USD 2.4 billion, making it a promising sector for foreign investment due to economic growth and rising demand for quality medical care and equipment.
In an exclusive interview with Yakup Pharmaceutical Newspaper, Bijay Singh, Head Business Unit Healthcare at DKSH, discusses the Group’s strategies for the Korean market. DKSH recently launched the Atacand brand in South Korea.
Billions of people still lack access to essential health services. Despite significant progress in healthcare policy reforms across Asia, many people still lack access to essential health services, and governments are increasingly turning to the private sector to bridge these gaps.
In an exclusive interview with BioPharma APAC, Reuben Ong, Vice President of Business Unit Healthcare at DKSH Singapore, discusses strategies to overcome regulatory hurdles, vaccine hesitancy, and logistical challenges to ensure timely access to vaccines across the Asia Pacific region.
A technology-powered vision of our healthcare future is now a reality. Our smartwatches and fitness trackers continuously monitor our physical activities and sleep patterns. On our phones, a plethora of digital health apps takes the data from these trackers to monitor trends and detect changes.
Biztech.asia caught up with Bijay Singh, Global Head, DKSH Business Unit Healthcare, for an engaging look at how we are reshaping the healthcare landscape across Asia Pacific. Biztech.asia is an online global TV broadcast platform that focuses on high quality, engaging conversations.
In October 2023, the Technical Advisory Group for the World Health Organization (WHO) Listed Authorities (TAG-WLA) reached an agreement to suggest adding three markets to the WHO-Listed Authorities (WLAs): Singapore's Health Sciences Authority (HSA), the Republic of Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), and Switzerland's Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products (Swissmedic). These regulatory bodies had achieved WHO’s benchmarking and evaluation process.
In Asia Pacific’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, significant transformations are underway. The integration of digital health solutions, the transition to a value-based care approach, and the growing role of patient engagement are some of the key examples. In this article, Bijay Singh, Global Head of Healthcare Business Unit at DKSH, shares insights and observations on how the market is progressing and underscores the critical role of the right partner for success.
The disturbing reality of life today in Southeast Asia is that 62% of deaths result from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with over 50% affecting those under 70, contributing significantly to premature mortality. Paired with the anticipated doubling of ageing populations — from 630 million in 2020 to 1.3 billion by 2050 — the need for urgent intervention is undeniable.
DKSH, a Strategic Healthcare Solutions Partner of Market Expansion Services with a focus on Asia, has significantly contributed to the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Thailand and across Asia.
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