Guest article by Ravi Ramasamy
After spending a decade of time working in the Asia Pac reconstructive markets with three major orthopedic device leaders, I decided to write my first article during this time of need. The Asia Pac recon implant business in 2019 was estimated at $2.8 billion. Post COVID-19, this revenue may plunge to $1.5B in 2020. An immediate upsurge in joint replacement procedures post COVID-19 is unlikely as patients show reluctancy for elective procedures until a vaccination or permanent remedy is in place.
Social behaviors influence treatment decisions
COVID-19 impact on reconstructive business in APAC is likely to last longer than the rest of the world. Why is that? Most Asian cultures' treatment decisions have always been a collective family decision (with exception to life-threatening conditions) and these decisions are often delayed in the face of unprecedented times. The fear of surgery generally has been high in Asia and the infection risk further fuels fear, leading to hesitancy towards surgery. Patients would rather bear the pain and take NSAID for an extended period of time or choose therapeutic alternatives, including Chinese medicine, to avoi...
