According to FutureWise analysis, the medical disposables market in 2026 is US$573.80 billion, and is expected to reach US$1846.5 billion by 2036 at a CAGR of 12.40%.
The medical disposables market is experiencing remarkable growth, driven by increased awareness of infection control and the important role of single-use products in preventing healthcare-associated infections. The demand for disposable personal protective equipment, surgical instruments, syringes, and diagnostic supplies has intensified, particularly following global health challenges that highlighted the need for healthcare preparedness. Furthermore, aging populations worldwide are leading to higher hospitalization rates and more surgical procedures, which directly boosts the consumption of disposable medical products. Technological advancements are also playing a crucial role, enabling the development of more sophisticated disposable devices, including biodegradable and eco-friendly alternatives that address growing concerns about environmental sustainability. Emerging economies are rapidly developing their healthcare infrastructure and witnessing an increase in per capita healthcare spending, creating significant new markets for medical disposables across various clinical settings.
Rise in the number of surgeries, increased prevalence of hospital acquired infections and other appalling diseases resulting into a longer hospital stay are some of the major factors responsible for the proliferation of the market. Furthermore, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a substantial rise in the number of hospital admissions resulting in the medical disposables market demand. For example, according to the International Diabetes Federation, the global diabetic occurrence is anticipated to rise to over 550 million by 2030. Prolonged diabetes generally results in diabetic foot ulcers, thereby increasing the hospital stay and bolstering the medical disposables market growth. Moreover, the rising geriatric population worldwide, which shall boost the market growth. For example, according to the WHO, the ageing population across the world is predicted to reach over 1.8 billion by 2050. The aged population are more prone to many chronic diseases, thereby propelling the augmentation of the market.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has substantially impacted the market. WHO has recommended all people to use disposable masks and hand sanitizers for restricting the transmission of the virus which has increased the insistence of these masks. Furthermore, with the rising demand for masks in highly populated countries like India, the government has banned exporting ventilators and masks and have started to manufacture in-house. Such a substantial rise in the demand for disposable masks and other respiratory disposable products shall bolster the market proliferation.