Overview

Peru is the eighth-most populous country in the Americas, with a population of 34 million and an average life expectancy at birth of 77.9 years. The government continues to strive for an advanced health sector, and medical services have improved in tandem with Peru’s development over the past two decades. However, wide coverage disparity remains between Lima and the country’s rural regions. Peru’s 2024 budget included $6.2 billion for the health sector. Priorities include improving hospital and primary care capacity, cancer prevention, child vaccination, and mental health.

Peru’s healthcare sector is a mix of public and private entities but remains concentrated in the public sector. The Ministry of Health (MINSA) serves 60 percent of Peruvians through a network of public hospitals and clinics, as well as offers Seguro Integral de Salud (SIS), publicly funded insurance. EsSalud, the national social security program, serves 30 percent and in the last few years has inaugurated two public-private partnership hospitals to expand service. The remaining 10 percent of the population obtains coverage through either the Armed Forces, National Police, or the private sector. The Superintendency of National Health acts as the industry’s supervisory and regulatory body.  

Opportunities

Peru’s healthcare sector grapples with challenges such as limited access and poor coordination yet presents significant opportunities for improvement through public and private initiatives. A growing middle class increasingly relies on private healthcare with increasing expectations, while an aging population exceeding 4 million people aged 65 or older drives demand for chronic disease treatment, creating opportunities for investment. The government actively pursues universal healthcare, enhances prevention and coordination, invests in hospital infrastructure, and expands telemedicine, with teleconsultations surging in recent years to improve access despite ongoing digital health and internet access limitations. Over 2,700 health establishments are integrated into Peru’s National Telehealth Network, and private companies see potential in supplying specialized equipment due to limited local manufacturing. 

Under the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA), medical devices and pharmaceuticals enter duty-free, but require a U.S. certificate of origin and product registration with the General Directorate of Drugs, Supplies and Medications (DIGEMID) through a local distributor. To succeed in Peru’s medical equipment market, U.S. providers must collaborate with local distributors, maintain direct end-user engagement for training and support, offer competitive pricing and modern technology with post-sales service, and provide Spanish-language marketing materials, with Lima remaining the primary hub due to its concentration of top public and private medical facilities serving an urban population with greater disposable income.
 

Table: Projected Medical Device Market in Peru by Product Area, 2022-2027 in USD Millions
 

Challenges

While improving healthcare is a top priority, Peru’s health system remains under-resourced, inefficient, and fragmented with one of the lowest health budgets in South America at just 3.6 percent of GDP. The country continues to suffer from a shortage of medical staff, specialists, and critical supplies, particularly in rural areas. Peru has only 14 health workers per 10,000 people and less than six ICU beds per 100,000 people. Peru’s total medical device market, while projected to grow, remains small compared to other countries in the region. Furthermore, as with many other sectors of the economy, public procurement can be arduous, complex, and lengthy. Therefore, U.S. suppliers would benefit significantly from working with a local partner or distributor.  

Resources

Direccion General de Salud Ambiental (DIGESA)
Ministry of Health