This is a first-of-its-kind report running a multifactorial analysis of the current state of MedTech in LDCs based on two country case studies and making recommendations accordingly. There is always room for additional analysis and more specific recommendations, and we encourage further research. However, it offers valuable lessons for many other LDCs as they ponder, deliberate and strategize about MedTech’s role in their health systems and economies.
The authors of this study faced challenges in accessing information on insurance programs in LDCs, particularly regarding coverage of MedTech and NCD-related products under national schemes. Additionally, they found that there was a lack of research and data comparing staffing levels, funding and capacity between public and private hospitals in LDCs.
In both case study countries, it was challenging to access legislative and policy documents that offered detailed research and analysis of policy objectives. Many of the IP policies had only recently been enacted and it was therefore too early to evaluate their practical impact. In Bangladesh, the lack of official English translations made it particularly difficult to review updates to IP laws.
Gathering reliable data on IP enforcement mechanisms in both countries also proved challenging. Lastly, the authors found very few documented examples of technology transfer involving MedTech in LDCs.
The authors recommend that future researchers collect and publish detailed, country-specific information for each LDC to support more targeted analysis and the development of tailored recommendations for the MedTech sector.
This study, while providing a valuable starting point by focusing on Bangladesh and Rwanda, does acknowledge its limitations. Specifically, it does not fully explore the unique challenges faced by other LDCs, such as those in Small Island Developing States, with their connectivity and scale issues, or those in conflict zones, where instability and security concerns create additional hurdles. Despite these gaps, this study serves as an important initial step in understanding and supporting the MedTech environment across diverse LDC contexts, laying the groundwork for future research and solutions tailored to these specific challenges.