Market Challenges And Opportunities

Global Sterilization Services Market Drivers:

Rise in hospital acquired infections to augment market growth

One of the key factors expected to augment the growth of the global sterilization services market over the forecast period is the rise in burden of hospital acquired infections across the globe. Such a high burden of HAIs leads to an increase in demand for sterilization services. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), today, out of every 100 patients in acute-care hospitals, seven patients in high-income countries, and 15 in low- and middle-income countries will acquire at least one health care-associated infection (HAI) during their hospital stay. On average, one in every ten affected patients will die from their HAI.

High demand for sterilization services to underpin market growth

Another factor which is driving the growth of the global sterilization services market is the rise in demand for sterilization equipment and agents worldwide. For instance, with the rise in number of surgical procedures (due to rise in burden of chronic diseases), the demand for sterilized medical devices/equipment is also increasing. In October 2022, BD India and the Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT) teamed up for sterilization of one of its medical devices, Venflon Pro by electron beam (e-beam) technology, at RRCAT's Indore facility. The facility will provide e-beam sterilization services for medical devices.

Global Sterilization Services Market Opportunities:

Outbreak of COVID-19 across the world is expected to provide significant growth opportunities for players in the global sterilization services market. For instance, there has been increase in the usage of medical devices and instruments, which in turn increase the rate of contamination due to regular and continuous use. Thus, there is/was an increase in demand for sterilization to disinfect the medical devices used for various surgeries. Many regulatory bodies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have deemed it necessary to maintain an adequate supply of sterilizers that can facilitate a rapid turnaround for sterilized or disinfected medical equipment.

Increase in number of surgical procedures is expected to offer significant growth opportunities for players in the global sterilization services market. For instance, rise in burden of chronic diseases leads to an increase in number of medical or surgical procedures which require sterilized medical equipment. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), worldwide, around 310 million major surgeries are performed each year; around 40 to 50 million in the United States and around 20 million in Europe. Thus, with the rise in number of surgical procedures worldwide, the demand for sterilization services is also increasing with a rapid pace.

Global Sterilization Services Market Restraints:

Harmful effects of chemical agents to hinder market growth

One of the key factors expected to hamper the growth of the global sterilization services market is the harmful effects of chemical agents. Many sterilization equipment consist of gases and liquids that are an integral part of their functioning. Some of these substances are harmful to human health. For instance, prolonged exposure to ethylene oxide (ETO) in healthcare facilities has been linked to hematologic changes and increase the risk of spontaneous abortions and various cancers. Studies have also shown exposure to ETO resulting in cancer.

Lack of availability of correct manuals to hamper market growth

Another factor which is hampering growth of the global sterilization services market is the lack of availability of correct manuals to perform sterilization activities. For instance, lack of availability of correct manuals to perform the sterilization activities for a few medical devices has been one of the issues faced by the service providers, as the lack of proper sterilization of the equipment may lead to diverse implications and may even have serious negative health impact on the patient. Thus, it has become one of the key challenges for the service providers.

Figure 2. Global Sterilization Services Market Share (%), By Method, 2023