Middle East and Africa Medical Second Opinion Market

Middle East and Africa Medical Second Opinion Market Size (2024-2032)

The size of the Middle East and Africa medical second opinion market was worth USD 178 million in 2023. The market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 13.5% from 2024 to 2032 and be worth USD 557 million by 2032 from USD 202 million in 2024.

MARKET SCENARIO

The growth of the Middle East and African medical second opinion market can be primarily attributed to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the growing emphasis on better prognoses. The World Health Organization says that in 2019, cancer killed nearly 10.75 million people worldwide. The WHO reports that approximately 535,000 cancer deaths, or over 7.0% of the world total, were seen in Africa in 2018. It is believed that a second medical opinion can help with better treatment prognosis in many cases, especially in underdeveloped and rural areas. The Annals of Surgical Oncology reported that people with a second medical opinion focused on more significant cancer detection and treatment accuracy. Other factors such as excessive alcohol and tobacco consumption, drug abuse, obesity, stress, an unhealthy diet have also increased cancer incidence.

Healthcare organizations are showing emphasis on optimizing healthcare costs coupled with quality assurance and improved work efficiency. Many patients have preferred to seek a second opinion on their disease and available treatments in recent years. This approach has decreased the number of medical errors and medical disputes in the past several years. Improving healthcare expenditure and reasonable reimbursement policies will drive the medical second opinion market in the Middle East and Africa during the forecast period. In 2018, health spending in Saudi Arabia's GDP was recorded at 6.5%.  Qatar's health expenditure as a percentage of GDP stood at an impressive level of 2.6% in 2018. In the UAE, health expenditure as a percentage of GDP was recorded at 4.2% in 2018, up from 4.1% in 2017. These numbers are anticipated to increase with the improving economic status of the GCC countries during the forecast period.

Additionally, multiple benefits of the Middle East and Africa second medical opinion market include providing review recommendations for surgical procedures based on additional medical diagnosis, evaluating other treatment options as an alternative to surgery, peer review, and analysis of existing medical records. This also helps reduce medical billing errors, which will reduce costs and reduce potential surgical adversities, which can lead to additional healthcare costs.

However, the lack of awareness and reluctance to go for a second medical opinion in emerging countries is slowing the market's growth.

SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

Middle East and Africa Medical Second Opinion Market Analysis By Disease

• Cancer
• Cardiac Disorders
• Diabetes
• Injuries

Middle East and Africa Medical Second Opinion Market Analysis By Supply Provider

• Hospitals
• Health Insurance Players
• Online and Offline Medical Second Opinion Providers
• Private Clinics

GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

• KSA
• UAE
• Israel
• rest of GCC countries
• South Africa
• Ethiopia
• Kenya
• Egypt
• Sudan
• rest of Middle East and Africa

Middle Eastern countries are emerging as important markets for medical second opinions within the Middle East and African region. This region is expected to see the dominant share held by Saudi Arabia, followed by the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. This regional growth can be attributed to the high prevalence of cancer and the growing number of cancer patients opting for a second opinion. In addition, lower costs and ease of interaction, demand for healthcare teleconsultation, improved treatment outcomes, and high burden of chronic diseases in line with changing lifestyle further strengthen the regional market growth.

The growing number of hospitals and the increasing base of patients in South Africa, Egypt, and Kuwait will support the market growth in these regions. In addition, development in telemedicine technologies, improvement in the health sector, and increasing reimbursement policies will create lucrative opportunities for the regional industry in the years to come.

KEY MARKET PLAYERS

Companies leading the Middle East & Africa medical second opinion market profiled in the report are Amradnet, London Pain Clinic, Johns Hopkins USA, Cynergy Care, Bright Grey Royal London Group, Helsana Group, Mendocino County Mental Health, Hyjiya Digital Wellness FZCO, Penn Medicine.