Impact of COVID-19 on the South Africa Orthopaedic Braces and Supports Market: Challenges and Opportunities
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected various sectors of the economy, including the healthcare industry. The orthopaedic braces and supports market, which provides devices for the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, has also faced significant challenges and opportunities due to the outbreak. In this blog post, we will explore the impact of COVID-19 on the South Africa orthopaedic braces and supports market size, which stood at a value of around USD 13.88 million in 2021. The market is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.30% in the forecast period of 2024-2032 to attain a value of nearly USD 18.89 million by 2027.
Pre-COVID Scenario of the Orthopaedic Braces and Supports Market in South Africa
Before the pandemic, the South Africa orthopaedic braces and supports market was witnessing a steady growth, driven by factors such as:
- The rising prevalence of orthopaedic conditions, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, sports injuries, and trauma
- The increasing awareness and demand for orthopaedic braces and supports among the population, especially the elderly and the active
- The availability of a wide range of products, such as knee braces, ankle braces, wrist braces, elbow braces, back braces, and neck braces, catering to different needs and preferences
- The presence of key players, such as DJO Global, BSN Medical, Össur, Bauerfeind, and Medi, who offer quality products and services
- The supportive government policies and initiatives, such as the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme, which aims to provide universal health coverage to all South Africans
Impact of COVID-19 on the Orthopaedic Braces and Supports Market
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the normal functioning of the orthopaedic braces and supports market in South Africa, affecting both the supply and demand sides. Some of the impacts are:
- The disruption in the supply chain, due to lockdowns, travel restrictions, and border closures, has hampered the manufacturing and distribution of orthopaedic braces and supports
- The decreased elective surgeries and outpatient visits, due to the fear of infection and the prioritization of COVID-19 cases, has reduced the demand for orthopaedic braces and supports
- The shift towards telemedicine and remote consultation, due to the social distancing measures and the adoption of digital technologies, has changed the mode of delivery and access of orthopaedic braces and supports
- The regulatory changes and guidelines, such as the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and the Essential Medical Equipment List (EMEL), have affected the approval and procurement of orthopaedic braces and supports
Challenges Faced by the South Africa Orthopaedic Braces and Supports Market During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed several challenges to the South Africa orthopaedic braces and supports market, such as:
- The financial constraints and budget cuts in healthcare expenditure, due to the economic downturn and the diversion of funds to COVID-19 response, have affected the affordability and availability of orthopaedic braces and supports
- The delayed or postponed orthopaedic procedures and treatments, due to the limited capacity and resources of the healthcare system, have worsened the outcomes and quality of life of the patients
- The reduced access to healthcare facilities and orthopaedic specialists, due to the lockdowns, curfews, and transportation barriers, have hindered the diagnosis and management of orthopaedic conditions
- The increased competition and pricing pressures, due to the entry of new players and the emergence of alternative products, such as 3D-printed braces and supports, have challenged the market position and profitability of the existing players
Opportunities Arising from the COVID-19 Crisis
The COVID-19 crisis has also created some opportunities for the South Africa orthopaedic braces and supports market, such as:
- The accelerated adoption of telemedicine and digital health solutions, such as online platforms, mobile apps, and wearable devices, have enabled the remote monitoring and delivery of orthopaedic braces and supports
- The focus on innovation and development of advanced orthopaedic products, such as smart braces and supports, which can provide real-time feedback, adjust pressure, and monitor movement, have enhanced the functionality and performance of orthopaedic braces and supports
- The expansion of e-commerce platforms for orthopaedic braces and supports, such as online stores, websites, and social media, has increased the reach and convenience of orthopaedic braces and supports
- The strategic partnerships and collaborations, such as joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, and distribution agreements, have strengthened the market presence and competitiveness of the orthopaedic braces and support players
Future Outlook and Recovery Strategies
The South Africa orthopaedic braces and supports market is expected to recover from the COVID-19 impact and resume its growth trajectory in the coming years, owing to the following factors:
- The increasing demand for orthopaedic braces and support, as the pandemic subsides and elective surgeries and outpatient visits resume
- The improving supply chain and distribution network, as the lockdowns ease and the travel restrictions lift
- The rising awareness and adoption of orthopaedic braces and supports, as the population becomes more health-conscious and proactive
- The growing investment and innovation in the orthopaedic braces and supports sector, as the market players leverage the opportunities and overcome the challenges
Some of the recovery strategies that the South Africa orthopaedic braces and supports market players can adopt are:
- Enhancing the quality and safety of orthopaedic braces and supports, by complying with the regulatory standards and guidelines
- Diversifying the product portfolio and offering customized solutions, by catering to the different needs and preferences of the customers
- Optimizing the cost and pricing of orthopaedic braces and supports, by adopting efficient manufacturing and distribution methods
- Expanding the market reach and customer base, by exploring new channels and segments
- Building strong relationships and trust with the stakeholders, such as the healthcare providers, patients, and government authorities