Chart of the Week: Check out the skyrocketing number of private hospitals in Asia

There were 53,535 in the region in 2015.

Private hospitals sprouting in all areas of the Asian region is a sign of a healthy healthcare landscape, and it’s also an important channel for pharmaceuticals as the healthcare landscape in Asia develops.

According to a report by BMI Research, for instance, Singapore-based Raffles Medical Group announced in July 2016 that it intends to spend SGD1bn (USD734mn) over the next three years setting up hospitals and clinics throughout the region.

Loo Choon Yong, executive chairman and co-founder of Raffles Medical Group says Asia is growing, and while the growth may be slower, it will still outmuscle Europe and the US in terms of investment positivity.

“The number of private hospitals in Asia has increased substantially over the past few years. In 2015, there were approximately 53,535 private hospitals in the region, up from 33,883 in 2008,” BMI Research noted.

Meanwhile, during this period, the report said China and Indonesia saw the largest percentage increase in private hospitals at 221% and 158%, respectively.

“As private hospitals across Asia rise in prominence, this trend will have important implications for multinational drugmakers. Fundamentally, this can see a divergence in patient segments with the more affluent population seeking treatment at private hospitals,” BMI Research said.