With the rise in geriatric population, increasing instances of various chronic diseases have resulted in an upsurge in the number of patients globally. Medical clothing is sanitary clothing that is worn by working members of any medical institution for patient care. Growing importance for safety and hygiene in patients has created the demand for medical clothing in healthcare institutions. Clothing offered in the medical institutions protects patients from contamination and bodily fluids. They are offered especially during disease treatments at medical facilities and hospitals.
Manufacturers of such clothing have been focusing on introducing innovative products and increasing their production capabilities to protect medical staff from hazardous chemicals, allergies, injuries, pathogens, and others. Numerous types of such clothing include drapes, scrubs, surgical gowns, aprons, protective facemasks, eye gear, coverall, caps, and eye gear. Increasing cases of zoonotic diseases are anticipated to surge the demand for such clothing. People also catch infections in hospitals, which can be either fungal, viral, or bacterial. ICU related infections are 2-3 times higher in developing economies than developed economies. Therefore, growing concern over patient’s protection is expected to drive growth of the market.
The global healthgenerics market size was valued at USD 94.29 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach a valuation of USD 140.64 billion by 2028 with a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period.
The market has the following leading players:
- Cardinal Health
- Halyard Health
- Superior Uniform Groups
- Barco Uniforms
- Ansell Healthcare LLC
- Semperit AG Holding
- 3M Company
- Mölnlycke Health Care AB
- Medline Industries
 Manufacturers of protective clothing for medical purposes have been opting for product upgrades and differentiation. Several companies have been partnering for distribution purposes to expand their global and regional presence. The market is gaining traction toward high value-added products for medical purposes. Due to gradual increase in cases of infections globally, the market players from the clothing and textile industry, such as Zara, Eterna Mode Holding GmbH, Trigema, and other players, have been currently manufacturing protective masks and clothing. Market players have been collaborating with each other to manufacture advanced products. In 2020, North Tees & Hartlepool Solutions and Herida Healthcare collaborated with NHS to manufacture highly sterilized gowns due to increasing demand for PPE.
Rising Instances of Zoonotic Diseases Due to Lack of Awareness Amongst Population
Zoonotic diseases refer to diseases that are naturally transmitted from animals. They have a significant impact on public health as it has a higher prevalence rate in developing countries due to lack of awareness amongst the population and absence of proper control strategies. The virus is assumed to have its origin from snakes or bats. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 75% of infectious diseases are derived from animals. Rise in such infections is expected to propel the demand for necessary clothing in hospitals.
Surmounting Hospital Infections to Propel the Use of Appropriate Protective Clothing
Healthcare establishments have seen a surge in hospital-borne infections. Such infections are caused by bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens. They have been highest in developing countries, and thus there is strong focus on usage of appropriate clothing in hospitals. This is required to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases to people. According to WHO, about 10% of hospitals in developing countries and 7% hospitals in developed countries have at least one hospital-acquired infection. This requires availability and need for appropriate medical clothing in hospitals.
Research Activities During COVID-19 Outbreak Pushed Innovations
The coronavirus outbreak was one of the fastest-spreading infections, which led to an increase in demand for medical clothing. Hospitals were swamped with patients and people were vulnerable to hospital-acquired infections. There was a high need for appropriate clothing to protect doctors, nurses, and patients as well. The pandemic also escalated the need for research activities and protective clothing was required while performing research activities.
Outbreak of Various Infections to Produce Steady Demand for the Product
There have been rising pandemics and outbreaks of RNA viruses, such as bird flu, swine flu, and COVID-19, that can adapt and alter their host system. The market development of medical clothing is due to rising instances of chronic diseases as well. Research & development activities have been rising, which require a unique set of protective clothing. As research activities are being escalated, demand for protective clothing is also set to expand. Advanced hospital infrastructure in developing countries is supporting the growth of necessary clothing. Therefore, rising awareness regarding safety and hygiene will propel market growth in the coming years.