BMI's Executive Summary

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Oman is regarded as having one of the most efficient healthcare systems in the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region as well as globally, with a recent study by the World Health Organization (WHO) placing the country best in terms of outcome. Consequently, the growth of the pharmaceutical market is ensured in the short to medium term, supported by excellent healthcare facilities, which are continuing to receive attention from foreign investors. The exclusion of expatriate workers from public healthcare schemes and the increased demand for medical tourism – supporting further development of the private healthcare market in the country – will further stimulate the sector.

However, despite the recent improvements in Oman's intellectual property (IP) environment, as a result of the signing of the Oman-US free trade agreement (FTA), some issues remain in regards to approval of medicines. The registration of products on the Omani market is only possible after they have been on sale for at least two years on the source market, resulting in unwelcome delays. Nevertheless, the rising demand for novel and hi-tech treatments will act as a counterweight to this obstacle, with a number of multinationals likely to launch their products locally after the end of the period specified by the registration legislation. In regional terms, BMI's revised Q108 Business Environment Rankings for the Middle East & Africa region places Oman in joint eighth place, alongside Jordan.

Overall, prescription and patented drugs are expected to remain the dominant products within the overall market, at 97% and 92% of the total value, respectively. Their position will be retained by an affluent population, modernisation of healthcare facilities and the development of the private sector. On the other hand, cost-containment policies promoted by the government will encourage the development of the overthe- counter (OTC) and generics sectors.. The government is presently considering the introduction of a faster generics approval process for Indian-made products, which are increasingly present in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.

Some investment in local manufacturing facilities can also be expected, as companies recognise the rising regional demand for generics. Oman Pharmaceutical Products Company (OPPC) is attempting to exploit this avenue by offering contract manufacturing to multinationals. In addition, the US-based Ascent Medical Technology Fund II is creating a joint venture with Salalah Medical Supplies Manufacturing Company (SMSMCo), with the aim of opening a medical manufacturing centre to supply exports.

Contents

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Chapter 1 - Executive Summary

Oman Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare Industry SWOT

Oman Political SWOT Industry SWOT

Oman Economic SWOT

Oman Business Environment SWOT

Chapter 2 - Oman: Business Environment Ranking

Table: Business Environment Ranking: Middle East & Africa

Business Environment Ranking

Economics - Long-Term Risk

Politics - Long-Term Risk

Regulatory Barriers

Domestic Sector Threat

Market Growth Potential

Market Size Ranking

Chapter 3 - Market Summary

Chapter 4 - Regulatory Regime

Intellectual Property Developments

Table: Current IP Laws In Oman

Pricing & Reimbursement

Regional Price Harmonisation

Public Sector Drug Procurement

Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)

Chapter 5 - Industry Developments

Healthcare Sector

Private Healthcare Sector

Health Profile

Table: Oman Mortality Indicators (2004)

Healthcare Reforms

Table: Geographical Distribution Of Health Centres

Medical Tourism

International Collaboration

Pharmaceutical Sector

International Pharmaceutical Collaboration

Table: India's Export Of Pharmaceutical Products To The GCC Countries 2001-2005 (US$mn)

Chapter 6 - Industry Forecast Scenario

Overall Market Forecasts

Table: Other Healthcare Data Forecasts

Key Growth Factors - Industry

Table: Drug Expenditure Forecasts

Key Growth Factors - Macroeconomic

Table: Oman: Macroeconomic Data And Forecasts

Prescription Market Forecast

Table: Prescription Drug Market Forecasts

OTC Market Forecast

Table: OTC Market Forecasts

Generics And Branded Market Forecast

Table: Generics And Branded Market Forecasts

Export/Import Market Forecasts

Table: Import/ Domestic Output Forecasts

Other Healthcare Data Forecasts

Table: Other Healthcare Data forecast

Key Risk To BMI's Forecasts

Competitive Landscape

Chapter 7 - Company Monitor

Novartis

Johnson & Johnson

Sanofi-Aventis

GlaxoSmithKline

Pfizer

Merck & Co

Indigenous Manufacturers

Oman Pharmaceutical Products Co (OPPC)

National Pharmaceutical Industries (NPI)

Chapter 8 - BMI Forecast Modelling

How We Generate Our Industry Forecasts

Pharmaceutical Industry

Chapter 9 - Appendix: Regional Demographic Data

The Long View: Data Over The Economic Cycle (2000-2007)

Population

Household Spending Per Capita, US$

Private Consumption Per Capita, US$ PPP

Market Size, GDP, US$bn

Chapter 10 - Country Snapshot: Oman Demographic Data

Section 1: Population

Table: Demographic Indicators (2005)

Table: Rural/Urban Breakdown

Section 2: Education & Healthcare

Table: Education

Table: Healthcare: Vital Statistics

Table: Healthcare: Expenditure

Section 3: Labour Market And Spending Power

Table: Employment Indicators

Table: Consumption And Stratification

Competitive Landscape for Middle East & Africa Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare: Sample of Companies Ranked

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Cross-border analysis of regulatory systems comparing the patenting environment, summarising regional pricing and reimbursement factors and monitoring the growth of the Pharmaceuticals sector across the region. Company SWOTs cover leading multinational and national drug companies operating in each market.

Network of Middle Eastern and African Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Sources

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BMI's Middle Eastern & African Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Reports are based on an extensive network of multilateral organisations, government departments, pharmaceutical & healthcare industry associations, chambers of commerce and company reports. Information sources include: