Sizing the global mobile health market opportunity
In spite of the advancements in medical technologies and a general increase in income levels, healthcare continues to pose global challenges of affordability, complexity and access. In contrast, mobile access is almost ubiquitous across the world. With the increasing penetration of smartphones and new and innovative connected devices, and the proliferation of Mobile Broadband networks and services worldwide, mobile will play a far greater role in healthcare in both developed and developing countries in the future.
A report conducted by PwC for the GSMA predicts that the growth of the mobile health market will lead to a global revenue opportunity of US$23 billion by 2017. Monitoring services for personalised care, such as those for chronic disease management and assisted living solutions are foreseen to account for the largest opportunity at 65 per cent of the market (US$15 billion) by 2017. Diagnosis services are expected to be the second-largest segment, comprising 15 per cent of the global mobile health market (US$3.4 billion). This includes call centres or helplines that allow those in isolated areas to connect with healthcare professionals, as well as telemedicine solutions.
However, to realise this potential, it is essential that governments, regulators and healthcare providers embrace a constructive policy agenda for mobile health solutions, and that industry works jointly towards interoperable solutions. For more information, download the report -
Touching Lives through Mobile Health: Assessment of the Global Market Opportunity.
