Medical Equipments

The longer the distribution chain, the greater the chance that something will go wrong.The US medical device market (estimated at $106 billion in 2011) is the world’s largest, but imports comprise nearly one third of that and, in 2011, grew at 8.9 percent. While that market will continue to grow, the next big opportunity will be in the BRIC nations and South Africa, which have large unmet needs and lengthy distribution chains.
The longer the distribution chain, the greater the chance that something will go wrong. Even well-packaged cargo experiences vibrations from variations in pavement, pitching and yawing during marine transportation, drops by cranes, or contact with docks or other cargo.
When the cargo is sensitive medical equipment (like MRI or CT scanners), damage may not be detected immediately. The ramifications, however, can be far-reaching. Even seemingly minor damage can impair functionality and necessitate recalibration or repair, resulting in lost opportunities and delayed patient service for the hospital and repair costs and reputational damage for the manufacturer. In the US, for example, the total costs of a damaged MRI coil are estimated at $3,000 per day. For other devices, such as implantable insulin pumps, the vibrations can cause friction that may abrade sterile packaging, putting patients at risk unless it is discovered.