The global wheelchair market exhibits robust growth, with manual wheelchairs contributing over 60 per cent of the total revenue share. Factors driving market growth include the ageing population, a surge in injuries, and an increase in non- communicable diseases.
A growing number of countries are implementing assistive product lists and associated assistive product specifications. This could lead to a better standardization of specifications across LMIC markets and improved quality. WHO has launched new guidelines and is driving this adoption. This is expected to improve considerations of product specifications.
Quality standards are guided by ISO, with WHO recommending countries to use ISO 7176 as baseline standards and develop additional testing standards based on local conditions. In LMICs, environmental challenges such as uneven terrains and high temperatures, impact wheelchair quality, with castors being a commonly affected component. Efforts to address this include the ISWP proposal for castor durability testing using the Castor Testing Machine.
The market is fragmented, with five key players controlling less than 50 per cent, including Invacare, Sunrise Medical, Ottobock, Pride Mobility Products Corp, and
140Permobil. The large global manufacturers are focused on high-income countries, have limited presence in LMICs and a limited cost-effective product range, and operate through distributors which further increases costs. Manufacturers in low- and middle- income countries and social enterprises have filled the gap and are delivering low- cost, manual wheelchairs that are specifically designed for LMIC environments.
Absence of public-provision frameworks in LMICs resulting in variable-quality wheelchairs at different prices. International organizations like UNICEF provide options for LMICs, such as active rough terrain wheelchairs for adults at 358 dollars and rigid frame dual-terrain wheelchairs at 275 to 330 dollars.
In conclusion, while the global wheelchair market is witnessing growth and technological advancements, challenges persist, particularly in LMICs. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort involving adherence to international standards, empowering local production and assembly, and implementing transparent pricing models. Besides, it is critical that LMICs implement a service delivery approach that responds to individual’s unique requirements and promotes the provision of appropriate wheelchairs that not only fit correctly but also align with the user’s physical, functional, and environmental needs.
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