Mariana Romero Roy

An aging population is not a uniquely Latin American problem. According to the World Health Organization, one in six people globally will be over the age of 60 by 2030, and by 2050, the number of people age 60 and over will double to 2.1 billion. [1]

However, some sources estimate that Latin America is aging faster than any other region in the world. While they don’t have the oldest populations — those belong to Europe and East Asia — the declining birth rate and accelerating aging of the population are going to lead to some eye-opening statistics in the near future. [2] For example:

Projected LatAm population percentage age 65 and over by:

• 2030 – 11.88%
• 2040 – 15.21%
• 2050 – 18.9%

Then, when you consider that the birth rate has declined from almost 6 children per woman in 1952 to 1.8 per woman in 2024, it’s easy to see why the “silver economy” is about to take over the region in the years ahead. [3]

The Aging Impact on Healthcare

As you can imagine, this rapidly aging population in the region will have a significant impact on the healthcare sector and, more specifically, on medtech in the decades to come. In fact, the journal Age and Ageing noted in a 2022 article that the region is already starting to struggle to keep up with the aging population. [4]

The challenges of the recent COVID-19 pandemic have already exposed some of the gaps in regional care that will become even more obvious as Latin America is beset by more chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, as well as other common ailments among the elderly. [4]

As rates of chronic disease increase across the region, the demand for relevant medical supplies and equipment is sure to follow suit. These are the projections for some common chronic medical conditions in the years ahead:

Chronic medical condition projections:

• Diabetes – Expected to increase by 46% to 52 million by 2050 in LatAm [5]
• Heart disease – Expected to almost double to 1.14 billion globally by 2050 [6]
• Cancer – Expected to increase by 50.7% in LatAm from 2022 to 2050 [7]
• Alzheimer’s – Expected to increase from 7.8 million to over 27 million by 2050 [8]

Just this small list of chronic, age-related medical conditions shows that the impact is about to be very real and significant. That doesn’t even include the large list of other issues that older people will face, particularly age-related mobility problems.

Meeting the Challenge

Despite the challenges that lie ahead, many countries in Latin America are well aware of the issues and are taking steps to be ready for the influx of patients. For example, since 2021, the Pan American Health Organization has placed its focus on “A Decade of Healthy Aging,” advocating for and initiating public health programs that help people in the region age healthily and happily. [9]

While helpful, these programs are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to preparing for the changes of the “silver economy” in the years ahead. According to top regional health experts, the healthcare industry must focus on the following initiatives to be ready:

• Aging support planning, including integrated care systems, geriatric infrastructure and additional medical support staff.
• Financing reform to prioritize essential services and reduce out-of-pocket costs.
• Strengthened prevention and primary care to prevent chronic disease or catch problems early before they grow worse.
• Data and strategic intelligence to use modern tools to address growing healthcare needs with accuracy and precision. [10]

Key Takeaways for Health Care Companies

Clearly, the road for healthcare systems and hospitals trying to prepare for the “silver economy” is going to be a bumpy one with a lot of twists and turns ahead. But for medical technology firms, manufacturers, and suppliers, the opportunities to be part of the solution for the entire region are substantial.

Almost across the board, entire sectors and sub-sectors of healthcare are going to see significant demands for more supplies and equipment. This will include diagnostic equipment, life support equipment, devices for diagnosing and treating heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, and orthopedic devices and implants. As medicine continues its transition to telemedicine and remote care, systems that support home care and remote monitoring will also thrive.

The shift in the “silver economy” should be significant enough to extend beyond medical devices and equipment, as well. Systems may need to be upgraded to hold up to a massive influx of patients, not to mention facilities.

Planning Your Silver Economy Roadmap

Your firm is primed to help Latin America continue a “Decade of Healthy Aging,” and the time is now to begin planning your roadmap for the years ahead. The data provided by Global Health Intelligence can help you make strategic decisions about the countries, healthcare systems, and hospitals where you should be focusing your attention.

Medtech reps can stay agile with their forecasts and sales strategies by using SurgiScope for real-time data while tracking shifting procedure volumes. They can also identify which hospitals are experiencing spikes in orthopedic procedures.

HospiScope is also valuable in providing hard, localized data on the specific hospitals that have equipment needs. This is a much more valuable tool for crafting real-time forecasts and sales strategies than relying on historical assumptions for adjusting sales targets.

Next Steps

Contact GHI to learn more about the rise of the “silver economy” across Latin America, and how you can adjust your company’s strategy to meet the changing healthcare landscape that will result. Our team of researchers can provide the analysis you need to gain valuable insights to support strategic decision-making in your industry.

 

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Sources:

 

1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health
2. https://www.pensionpolicyinternational.com/latin-america-has-the-fastest-aging-population-in-world/
3. https://americasquarterly.org/article/the-gray-tide-latin-americas-demographic-transformation/
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9384165/
5. https://diabetesatlas.org/data-by-location/region/south-and-central-america/
6. https://www.aku.edu/news/Pages/News_Details.aspx?nid=NEWS-003795
7. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12745351/
8. https://www.alzint.org/u/dementia-in-the-americas-ENGLISH.pdf
9. https://www.paho.org/en/events/regional-launch-decade-healthy-aging-2021-2030
10. https://incae.edu/en/el-futuro-ya-nos-alcanzo-como-el-envejecimiento-y-las-enfermedades-cronicas-estan-presionando-los-sistemas-de-salud-en-america-latina/

 

Guillaume Corpart

As wireless technology and AI make their way from standard computing into device integrations, it’s opening vast opportunities for what’s possible in modern healthcare. Everything from infusion pumps to MRI machines to pacemakers and more now have wireless connectivity. For both providers and patients, this creates new possibilities for education, transparency, and treatment.

These devices have now become such an integral aspect of healthcare that they have their own moniker: The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). These are just a few possibilities that were unthinkable several years ago, thanks to the development of IoMT:

• Remote patient monitoring (RPM) of people with chronic health conditions.
• Data collection from wearable health devices.
• Location tracking and ambulance routing for high-risk patients.
• Medication tracking.

The opportunities both in and outside of medical facilities are great. Doctors and nurses can check in on a patient’s well-being remotely in between patient checkups. And this can happen in the same hospital, or even hundreds of miles away. The potential of telemedicine and remote care is being super-charged by the advent of the IoMT. [1]

Possible Vulnerabilities

Of course, every new technology, however promising, comes with its own set of risks, and the IoMT is no different. While the medical possibilities of this tech are great, so are the potential risks of cybersecurity threats or possibly even cyberattacks. “Cybersecurity readiness in healthcare remains an important challenge across the region, and it should remain a priority in the years ahead,” says Alejandro Valenzuela, Global Director of Product Marketing for GE Healthcare. [2]

What’s more, some tech teams may be more focused on the medical aspects of their technology rather than the wireless capabilities, leaving them more vulnerable to attacks. Here are some of the potential vulnerabilities that have been identified for the IoMT:

• Weak or hardcoded passwords
• Insecure networks or interfaces
• Vulnerable software updates
• Outdated components
• Lack of physical hardening
• Insecure default settings
• Improper device management
• Insecure data transfer and storage
• Lack of privacy protection [3]

Regional Cybersecurity Concerns

Since Latin America’s digital infrastructure is not as developed as that of other regions in the world, it has been identified as an area where the risks are especially acute. Regional firms in Latin America are well aware of this risk, as well. A recent WEF survey found that 42% of Latin American firms lack confidence in their country’s cyber readiness. These numbers are much higher than similar firms in Africa (36%), Asia (20%), Europe (15%), and North America (15%). [3]

The market also seems to indicate that Latin America is aware of these IoMT cybersecurity risks and is willing to make the investments to correct some of the current deficiencies. Recent market data indicates that the Latin American cybersecurity market was valued at $1.16b in 2024 and is projected to grow to $5.47b by 2033. That’s a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.81%. [4]

Protecting Your Devices

Clearly, the region is willing to make the necessary investments to improve cybersecurity and hopefully minimize risks in the future for the IoMT. In the meantime, however, the current infrastructure lags behind the rest of the world, putting your devices and software at risk. This puts the responsibility on the equipment manufacturers themselves to build robust security protocols directly into their devices, rather than relying on regional and hospital-wide IT systems to handle this security for them.

Key Takeaways for Health Care Companies

For medtech manufacturers and suppliers of cutting-edge, connected devices that are part of the IoMT, the potential cybersecurity risks are a challenge that must be addressed in the coming years. However, if your technology already handles these challenges well, or you have plans to address these concerns in the near future, it could serve as a major market advantage and a key differentiator for your company when it comes to potential sales.

Latin American healthcare as a whole is growing more technologically advanced, and the market is more receptive to the connected equipment that makes up the IoMT than ever before. Current estimates and projections place the overall IoMT market value at over $7.5b in 2024, with a projection of over $25b by 2033. That’s a CAGR of 14.3% over the next 10 years.  [5]

What’s more, concerns over cybersecurity risks in the region are active and spreading, as the survey data and market projections for healthcare cybersecurity seem to indicate.

What that means for IoMT suppliers is that firms with secure, reliable, and safe medtech have the clear market advantage. By making this a point of emphasis on your strategic roadmap, you’ll have the advantage over your competitors in the years ahead.

Of course, the ultimate test is to educate your potential customers on the true advantages of your products, and how they have all the latest tools, technologies, and security protocols to protect your data and prevent any potential cyberattacks. Cybersecurity should be a key element when training your sales reps on the products they plan to sell.

Next Steps

You can rely on Global Health Intelligence and our suite of data analytics tools, like HospiScope, to identify specific areas of opportunity and determine where demand for IoMT devices runs the highest.

Contact GHI to learn more about the rise of IoMT and cybersecurity across Latin America, and how you can adjust your company’s strategy to meet the changing healthcare landscape that will result. Our team of researchers can provide the analysis you need to gain valuable insights to support strategic decision-making in your industry.

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Sources:

 

1. https://www.techtarget.com/iotagenda/definition/IoMT-Internet-of-Medical-Things
2. https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/iot-device-vulnerabilities
3. https://privatebank.jpmorgan.com/latam/en/insights/markets-and-investing/ideas-and-insights/the-cybersecurity-imperative-latin-americas-challenge-and-opportunity
4. https://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/latin-america-healthcare-cybersecurity-market
5. https://www.businessmarketinsights.com/reports/latin-america-iot-medical-devices-market

 

Guillaume Corpart

The Venezuelan political landscape is currently defined by profound instability and an overwhelming public rejection of the current administration. Following a controversial power shift that left Delcy Rodríguez temporarily in charge—notably with the endorsement of the Trump administration—public sentiment has plummeted to a critical low. A recent Meganálisis survey highlights this deep-seated crisis of confidence, revealing that 78% of Venezuelans consider the country’s situation under this administration to be explicitly “Bad”.

The Crisis of Governance and Economic Disillusionment

Financial pessimism currently dominates the national mood. If the current power structure remains in place, 83% of families anticipate that their economic situation will only worsen. This lack of faith permeates almost every facet of governance, reflected in a staggering 93% average disapproval rating across critical public services and infrastructure.

Interestingly, the gratitude citizens once held toward external political actors has eroded rapidly. Support for U.S. President Donald Trump has plummeted to 47%, down from 92% in January 2026 (a massive 45% cumulative decrease). Citizens primarily attribute this loss of trust to “discursive inconsistency”—specifically pointing to Trump’s praise of Delcy Rodríguez and the perceived normalization of the Chavismo political movement currently in power.

Healthcare: A Sector in Collapse

The devastating human cost of this political instability is nowhere more visible than in the healthcare sector. According to the April 2026 Meganálisis report, 87% of Venezuelans strongly disapprove of Rodríguez’s management of healthcare, specifically regarding hospital resources and staffing. Humanitarian reports from 2024 and 2025 corroborate this sentiment, depicting a system on the verge of total failure:

• Infrastructure Failure: Over 80% of health centers are technically non-operational due to severe lacks in basic services and routine maintenance.
• Resource Scarcity: An alarming 74% of patients must now supply their own essential medical materials—including medicines, gauze, and syringes—just to receive care.
• Critical Services: Nationwide, a mere 7% of emergency services are considered fully functional, and just 40% of operating rooms are in working condition.
• Epidemiological Risk: The collapse of vaccination and preventative care programs has triggered a resurgence of infectious diseases, including measles, dengue, and malaria.

Overall, the loss of public health services directly impacts more than 70% of the population. Consequently, over 150,000 pregnant women and 500,000 children are left entirely without access to primary medical care. The public recognizes that this healthcare emergency is inextricably linked to broader systemic failures, a reality evidenced by a 95.33% disapproval rating specifically in utility management and economics.

The Electoral Roadmap and Demand for Transition

Despite the prevailing pessimism, Venezuelans maintain a clear and urgent demand for a democratic resolution. Fully 87% of the population views a 2026 presidential election as the essential mechanism needed to resolve the national crisis. Furthermore, public focus has decisively shifted away from external intervention and toward internal leadership, with María Corina Machado (MCM) emerging as the dominant political figure. In an open race, she is currently polling as the undisputed leader with an estimated 71% of the vote.

The urgency of this transition cannot be overstated. A presidential election is prioritized over any other electoral event by 77% of citizens, with nearly 80% demanding it occur in the second half of 2026. For the majority of Venezuelans, a transition of power and the return of Machado are not just political aspirations; they are life-saving necessities for a nation whose basic services, particularly healthcare, simply cannot sustain the weight of the status quo.

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Navigate the Shifting Landscape

Contact GHI to learn more about the constantly evolving political and economic situation in Venezuela, and how you can adjust your company’s strategy to meet the demands of this changing healthcare landscape. Our team of researchers can provide the critical analysis you need to gain valuable insights and support strategic decision-making in your industry.

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Did you miss our live session with LatAmCham Singapore and Tech Brews? Watch the full replay to uncover the actionable strategies driving successful medical device expansions in Latin America.

Key topics covered:

• Top trends and growth opportunities in the MedTech sector.
• Practical advice on market entry, logistics, and go-to-market execution.
• A breakdown of the LatAm regulatory landscape compared to international standards.

Ready to turn market complexity into your competitive advantage?

If you want to dive deeper into the topics discussed or explore how these trends impact your specific strategy, our team is here to help. Contact us to discover how our customized market intelligence can give your company the edge.

 

Guillaume Corpart

As supply chains face continuing uncertainty worldwide, many Latin American countries are increasingly turning to nearshoring as a potential solution to fluctuating costs and procurement issues. Despite the short-term costs of investing in local manufacturing and transportation, the long-term advantages are more stability and lower overall costs from obtaining equipment and supplies from local suppliers rather than overseas.

The Supply Chain Paradigm Shift

The transition to nearshoring has long been discussed in medtech boardrooms and offices, but now it’s increasingly becoming a reality rather than just a theory. Latin America in particular offers several advantages as a nearshoring destination:

• Lower transportation and labor costs. Having manufacturers and suppliers close by can lower the cost of transportation, while Latin American labor rates continue to remain competitive compared to other regions.
• Easier communication and time zone alignment. English proficiency is high across Latin America for communication with customers, while being in the same time zone as North American companies makes real-time communication possible.
• Skilled workforces. Latin America has highly skilled workforces in manufacturing, technology, and other key industries.
• Reduced lead times. Closer suppliers mean that companies don’t have to provide as much advanced notice to get what they need.
• Better trade agreements and local government support. Many Latin American governments are actively promoting nearshoring and creating amenable agreements to make it appealing to potential trade partners.

Put all these factors together, and it’s easy to see why Latin America is seeing a bit of a nearshoring boom. Add in the ongoing geopolitical tensions around the world, rising global shipping costs, and other supply chain vulnerabilities, and the possibilities of nearshoring have become even more appealing to regional medtech giants. [1]

Examples in Action

It’s easy to see how nearshoring is growing by looking around the region. In Mexico, for example, the government recently announced its framework for a 2027-2028 consolidated health sector tender, and companies that invest locally now have a major advantage in the tender procurement process. The upcoming tender will utilize a points-based evaluation system that rewards companies with a greater physical footprint in Mexico.

Points will be awarded for:

• Manufacturing infrastructure: Companies with local production facilities or R&D labs will be awarded more points under the new system.
• Strategic partnerships: Companies that collaborate with Birmex or Mexican universities for technology transfer are also eligible for points.
• Job creation: Potential suppliers who show a demonstrable investment in the Mexican workforce will have an advantage. [2]

While a local factory is not a strict prerequisite for participation, it may serve as a tiebreaker among companies that offer similar products at a similar price. In a market where 65% of supplies are currently imported, the administration is using its purchasing power to encourage a nearshoring of the medical industry. [3]

The Rise of High-Tech Hubs

Another key development in Latin American nearshoring is the evolution of the region beyond basic medical supplies into high-tech production and manufacturing. This growth is being spurred by the development of “innovation hubs” around the region. These are areas where a focus is placed on the growth of technology, and they often attract the venture capital firms needed to fuel this growth.

For example, Mexico City is often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of Latin America.” With its proximity to the U.S., it serves as a vital dual-purpose hub for both exports and domestic supply.

Mexico is far from alone in its embrace of tech innovation. In Brazil, for example, the continued dominance of localized production has helped companies bypass heavy import taxes and capture the massive domestic market. Other regions that have notable tech startups and venture capital funding include Costa Rica, Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, Bogota, Santiago, and many other areas around Latin America.

The tech talent pool in these regions is large and growing, and they often offer cost savings over other regions, making them appealing destinations for tech companies and venture capital firms. In late 2023, the World Economic Forum declared that Latin America was “set to become a global powerhouse for innovation.” [4]

The Pricing War & Margin Squeeze

As nearshoring across Latin America continues to take hold and grow, it’s placing legitimate pressure on legacy companies to adapt or miss out on potential opportunities. As countries like Mexico begin to incentivize local investment as part of their tender procurement process, companies that rely solely on imports may find themselves losing long-held accounts to locally manufactured alternatives. [5]

When you consider the potential benefits that your company can gain from eliminating transatlantic shipping costs, avoiding import tariffs, and stepping away from unstable supply chains, it might be a trend worth considering for your own company’s manufacturing and transportation operations. [5]

Key Takeaways for Health Care Companies

As you can see, nearshoring in Latin America has evolved in recent years from theory to increasing reality. Companies that want to adapt their pricing and sales strategy to compete need to see what local competitors are doing in real time.

Global Health Intelligence provides the tools you need to stay at the cutting edge of industry trends. With PriceScope, for example, you can track actual transaction-level pricing within public institutions. This allows your sales reps to see exactly how your prices stack up against nearshoring competitors.

With BrandTrack, your company can do side-by-side competitive benchmarking. This enables your commercial team to track quarterly revenue shifts and protect your market share by identifying trends even before they become obvious to your competitors.

Next Steps

Contact GHI to learn more about the growing nearshoring trend across Latin America, and how you can adjust your company’s strategy to account for this changing landscape. Our team of researchers can provide the analysis you need to gain valuable insights to support strategic decision-making in your industry.

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Sources:

1. 1. https://latinamericasourcing.com/article/the-2025-nearshoring-index-why-latam-is-now-north-americas-natural-partner
   2. https://mexicobusiness.news/health/news/mexico-advances-drug-procurement-avoid-supply-gaps
   3. https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA846864038&sid=sitemap&v=2.1&it=r&p=IFME&sw=w&userGroupName=anon%7E14d562bf&aty=open-web-entry
   4. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2023/09/see-how-latin-america-is-becoming-a-thriving-innovation-hub/
   5. https://americasquarterly.org/article/nearshoring-in-latin-america-who-could-benefit-most/

 

Mariana Romero Roy

For those looking for a miracle medicine to fix obesity, the closest equivalent we’ve ever had is finally here in the form of GLP-1 agonists. These relatively new medications were originally intended to manage blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetes by prompting the body to make more insulin to lower blood sugar. But some GLP-1s have been shown to be quite effective for helping people lose weight, as well. [1]

GLP-1s typically come in an injectable form that the patient self-administers. The most popular GLP-1s are taken once a week, but some must be taken once or twice a day. Some newer forms of GLP-1s come in a pill form that you take once a day. [2]

The medications are approved for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or those with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have other weight-related conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, or other complications.  GLP-1s are only available by prescription, so patients will need to talk to their health care provider to determine if they are a good candidate for the medications. [3]

GLP-1s in Latin America

Already popular in the United States and other countries around the world, their use has also surged in Latin America in recent years. Here’s a quick look at the numbers across the region:

• • GLP-1 Latin American Revenue in 2025: $1.76b
  • GLP-1 Latin American Revenue Forecast for 2033: $5.72b
  • GLP-1 Latin American CAGR from 2026-2033: 14.6% [4]
  • GLP-1 Argentinian CAGR from 2026-2033: 15.9% [5]
  • GLP-1 Brazilian CAGR from 2026-2033: 13.8% [6]
  • GLP-1 Mexican CAGR from 2026-2033: 18.4% [7]

Opportunities & Challenges

Naturally, the dramatic increase in GLP-1 use in the Latin American market will be a major contributor to the bottom line for the manufacturers and suppliers of the medications. But the ability of GLP-1s to help patients manage their weight and diabetes symptoms is so significant that it will result in a ripple effect across many aspects of Latin American healthcare in the years to come.

In short, the benefits of GLP-1 use for patients appear to extend far beyond reducing weight and lowering blood sugar levels. Many patients also experience lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, reduced risks of heart disease and kidney disease, and many other benefits. Researchers are discovering other potential benefits of GLP-1 medications all the time. [1]

Some of these developments will be positive, while others are negative for manufacturers and suppliers of various types of medical equipment and supplies. For example, the number of gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy procedures may decline in Latin America as more patients effectively lose weight with GLP-1s.  Research is already showing this to be the case, with one study finding a 25.6% decrease in bariatric surgeries in the U.S. in 2023, largely due to the increase in GLP-1 use. For the companies that make the equipment used in these procedures, such as surgical staplers, trocars or even robotic surgery systems, this could potentially lead to a downturn in their projections for the coming years. [8]

A similar story may play out in the respiratory and sleep care device market, as well. As rates of obesity decline, it may lead to a decrease in obstructive sleep apnea and related respiratory issues. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved a GLP-1 known as tirzepatide (Zepbound) for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity. These developments could make it difficult to forecast future projections for CPAP machines, ventilators, and related sleep apnea diagnostic equipment. [9]

Positive Outcomes

Despite these challenges, the potential outcomes are, of course, a net positive for the health and well-being of Latin Americans. This will lead to its own new opportunities, as well. For example, there may be an increase in the need for endoscopies, ultrasounds, and related diagnostic equipment to monitor and diagnose some of the side effects that result from GLP-1 use, including delayed gastric emptying and gallbladder issues. [10]

In addition, a new pool of candidates may become eligible for needed medical procedures that they were previously ineligible for due to obesity. This includes surgeries such as knee or hip replacements, hernia repairs, and more. This growing pool of patients could drive sales for orthopedic implants, surgical power tools, post-operative rehabilitation equipment, and more. [11]

Key Takeaways for Health Care Companies

As you can see, the dramatic impacts of GLP-1s on the Latin American healthcare landscape will extend far beyond increased medication use, weight loss, and better diabetes management. The potential positive impact on health may have a cascading effect that touches a wide range of different medical conditions, operations, equipment use, and more.

Medtech reps can stay agile with their forecasts and sales strategies by using SurgiScope for real-time data while tracking these shifting procedure volumes. They can also identify which hospitals are experiencing spikes in orthopedic procedures.

HospiScope is also valuable in providing hard, localized data on the specific hospitals that have equipment needs. This is a much more valuable tool for crafting real-time forecasts and sales strategies than relying on historical assumptions for adjusting sales targets.

Next Steps

Contact GHI to learn more about the rise of GLP-1s across Latin America, and how you can adjust your company’s strategy to meet the changing healthcare landscape that will result. Our team of researchers can provide the analysis you need to gain valuable insights to support strategic decision-making in your industry.

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Sources:

1. 1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/13901-glp-1-agonists
   2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/expert-answers/byetta/faq-20057955
   3. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/glp-1-medications-for-weight-loss-how-to-get-started
   4. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/horizon/outlook/glp-1-receptor-agonist-market/latin-america
   5. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/horizon/outlook/glp-1-receptor-agonist-market/argentina
   6. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/horizon/outlook/glp-1-receptor-agonist-market/brazil
   7. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/horizon/outlook/glp-1-receptor-agonist-market/mexico
   8. https://www.statnews.com/2024/10/25/bariatric-surgery-falls-as-glp-1-demand-rises-wegovy-zepbound/
   9. https://www.komodohealth.com/perspectives/fda-glp-1-approval-may-reduce-reliance-on-cpap/
   10. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9821052/
   11. https://universitysurgical.com/obesity-and-surgery-a-dangerous-combination

 

Guillaume Corpart

For over four decades, seasoned executives have navigated the turbulent waters of Venezuela’s medical device market. The market has always presented challenges, and that has been especially true lately with the political and market turmoil. As of January 2026, 80% of local businesses have closed under the Maduro regime, and the medical device market is a fraction of what it once was.

With the recent capture of Nicolas Maduro and shifting political tides, however, a glimmer of hope has emerged for the first time in over 25 years. For manufacturers, Venezuela presents a massive challenge: a market of 30 million people with a healthcare infrastructure that essentially needs to be rebuilt from scratch.

The Current Landscape: A Broken Supply Chain

To understand the future market opportunities present in Venezuela, one must first understand the current deficits. These are the challenges that are currently present in the Venezuelan market:

• Shift in market dominance. The market is dominated by second-tier manufacturers, primarily from China, who are selling lower-quality products.

• Supply scarcity. While European and American products are still available, they exist in much smaller volumes than in previous years.

• Access barriers. The primary issue is not an absolute lack of supply, but extreme limitations in payment channels and access.

• Intermediary reliance. Due to the blocking of bank transfers and sensitivity to financial sanctions, many US products must be acquired through sub-distributors or intermediaries, which increases costs and limits variety.

• Centralized procurement. Approximately 12 economic groups control about 80% of all public hospital purchases. These groups operate through a network that may include over 100 different companies, a structure that hinders traceability and stifles real competition.

Healthcare Infrastructure Assessment (2026)

When you couple the market challenges with the state of the Venezuelan healthcare system, it’s easy to see both the challenges and opportunities. Here’s a quick overview of how things currently stand with the country’s private and public healthcare sectors:

	Private Sector	Public Sector
Operational Status	Severely contracted. Fewer than 100 large private clinics remain.	Deeply deteriorated and described as being “in shambles.”
Current Assessment	Trying to maintain standards, but high costs have led to a proliferation of smaller primary care centers.	Operationally incapable; patients are often required to provide their own disposable supplies, prostheses, and implants.
Primary Challenges	Reduced population ability to afford insurance has led to low occupancy and minimal margins, limiting investment.	Collapsed; primary care centers currently fill the void, treating critical patients with extremely limited resources.
Reconstruction Needs	Requires a full overhaul. Small and medium centers currently cover significant demand but with limited capacity.	Must be rebuilt from scratch, starting with primary care, followed by general and then specialized hospitals.

The Political and Economic Pivot

Despite the current state of affairs with Venezuelan healthcare and the market as a whole, change is coming swiftly. As of January 2026, Nicolas Maduro has been removed from office and his former Vice President, Delcy Rodriguez, is acting president. In her previous roles, Rodriguez managed critical economic operations by serving as the Vice President, the Minister of Economy and Finance, and the Minister of Petroleum. The most significant signal for foreign investors is the potential reopening of financial channels.

Venezuela is in the process of attempting to rejoin the SWIFT banking system and normalize relations with the United States. Specifically, four private banks — BNC, BBVA Provincial, Banesco, and Mercantil — have been authorized to receive foreign currency from oil sales via US channels. This move is part of a US strategy to oversee oil revenue processing and stabilize the economy. However, this normalization remains uncertain until sanctions are effectively lifted or eased in the coming weeks.

Strategic Outlook for Manufacturers

While the opportunities in Venezuela are vast, experts predict a timeline of 6 to 12 months before tangible change is realized. This reconstruction demands more than hardware; it requires new logistics chains, vetted distributors, and the establishment of new insurance plans.

Manufacturers should adopt a stance of watchful waiting. Regulatory compliance remains a significant hurdle, and the legal environment is currently haphazard. If stability returns and sanctions are lifted, Venezuela’s natural resources — including the world’s largest oil reserves — could finance a rapid overhaul of the nation.

The Bottom Line

Venezuela is a market reset to zero. For manufacturers willing to navigate early-stage logistics and compliance hurdles, the demand for high-quality medical devices will be immense as the country attempts to rebuild itself after 25 years of decay.

Capturing this growth requires more than just a market entry plan—it requires a roadmap through a complex legal landscape. Stay tuned for part 2, where we break down the critical compliance hurdles for American medical device manufacturers in 2026.