South Africa Bariatric Surgery Devices Market Analysis

South Africa Bariatric Surgery Devices Market Executive Summary

The South Africa Bariatric Surgery Devices Market is at around $17.3 Mn in 2023 and is projected to reach $26.8 Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.43% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

Gastric bypass and other types of weight-loss surgery, also called bariatric or metabolic surgery, this involve making changes to your digestive system to help you lose weight. Bariatric surgery is done when diet and exercise haven't worked or when you have serious health problems because of your weight. Some weight-loss procedures limit how much you can eat. Others work by reducing the body's ability to absorb fat and calories. Some procedures do both. While bariatric surgery can offer many benefits, all forms of weight-loss surgery are major procedures that can pose risks and side effects. Also, you must make permanent healthy changes to your diet and get regular exercise to help ensure the long-term success of bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery is done to help you lose extra weight and reduce your risk of possibly life-threatening weight-related health problems, including: certain cancers, including breast, endometrial and prostate cancer, heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), sleep apnoea, type 2 diabetes etc.

Obesity is a serious concern in South Africa, more than two-thirds that is approximately 67.9% of females were either overweight or obese. There were higher incidences of obesity among women than men. Adults aged 35 to 64 years had a significantly greater prevalence of obesity than younger age groups. Therefore, the market is driven by various factors such as increasing demand for minimally invasive surgeries, rising incidence of obesity, technological advancements, rising awareness about bariatric surgery.

The prominent players in the market are Apollo Endosurgery, Medtronic, ReShape Lifesciences, Johnson & Johnson, Cousin Biotech among others.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Increasing obesity rates in South Africa: More than two-thirds that is approximately 67.9% of females were either overweight or obese. There were higher incidences of obesity among women than men. Adults aged 35 to 64 years had a significantly greater prevalence of obesity than younger age groups. Over the past few decades, there has been a consistent rise in obesity rates in South Africa. It is probable that this pattern will persist, expanding the pool of candidates for bariatric procedures and stimulating the market for associated equipment.

Rising Consciousness: Raising consciousness of the danger’s obesity poses to one's health The general public is becoming more conscious of the major health risks associated with obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some types of cancer. More people are looking for long-term, efficient weight loss options, such as bariatric surgery, as a result of this awareness.

Technological advancements: Innovations in surgical techniques and devices are making bariatric procedures safer, less invasive, and more effective. For example, the development of advanced laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgical systems is improving surgical outcomes and reducing recovery times. Thus, driving the market growth rate.

Market Restraints

Expensive bariatric surgeries and devices: Despite improvements in coverage, the high costs of bariatric procedures and devices is still a significant barrier for many patients. This is especially true for those without comprehensive insurance coverage or in provinces with limited public funding for these procedures.

Potential complications: Like any major surgery, bariatric procedures carry risks such as infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anaesthesia. Long-term complications like nutritional deficiencies and dumping syndrome can also occur. These risks may deter some patients from pursuing surgical options.

Restricted availability of qualified bariatric surgeons: In South Africa, there is a deficiency of surgeons with specialized training in bariatric procedures, which causes lengthy wait times in some areas. Both patient access to these medicines and market growth are constrained by this shortfall.

Regulatory Landscape and Reimbursement Scenario

South Africa, medical devices including bariatric devices are regulated by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). SAHPRA classifies medical devices into four risk-based categories (A, B, C, D), with most bariatric devices falling into higher risk classes C or D. Manufacturers must register their devices with SAHPRA, providing comprehensive documentation on safety, efficacy, and quality. The regulatory framework has been evolving, with recent efforts to align more closely with international standards like those of the EU and FDA. SAHPRA requires post-market surveillance, and manufacturers must report adverse events. The approval process can be lengthy, especially for novel devices, as SAHPRA's resources are often stretched.

South Africa has a two-tiered healthcare system: public and private. In the public sector, which serves about 84% of the population, bariatric surgery is rarely available due to resource constraints and is not typically covered. The focus is on primary healthcare and managing infectious diseases. In the private sector, some medical aid schemes (similar to private insurance) cover bariatric surgery for patients meeting strict criteria, usually including a BMI over 40 or over 35 with obesity-related comorbidities, and failed conservative treatments.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

Here are some of the major key players in the South Africa Bariatric Surgery Devices Market:

Manufactures

• Medtronic plc.
• Ethicon, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• ReShape Lifesciences
• Apollo Endosurgery
• Cousin Biotech

Clinics

• Netcare Bariatric Surgery Centre
• Waterfall City Hospital
• Cape Bariatric Surgeons
• Durban Bariatric Surgery
• Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre