Core Viewpoint - By 2025, centralized procurement (集采) will become the new norm in the medical device sector, significantly impacting the entire industry chain [1] Summary by Sections Centralized Procurement Impact - In the first half of the year, the sales volume of medical devices like XP, CT, and MR in centralized procurement significantly lagged behind their sales revenue, indicating a pronounced effect of price-volume exchange [2] - The bidding rules, dominated by price, have led to continuously refreshed price floors, with examples such as 1.5T MRI machines dropping to 2 million and 64-slice CTs to over 1 million, including maintenance for 2-5 years [2] - Some devices, like DR, have seen price reductions exceeding 70%, with budget utilization in some provinces for ultrasound procurement being only in the low teens percentage-wise [2] Quality Concerns - Despite the price advantages of centralized procurement devices, hospitals express concerns about the overall service quality not keeping pace [4] - There are worries about the performance and after-sales service of low-priced devices, with industry observers noting that the price war in centralized procurement could set a price "anchor" for the retail market [5] County-Level Medical Institutions - County-level medical institutions are significant demanders in this round of equipment procurement, supported by policies aimed at improving medical device standards and quality [5] - The need for high-quality equipment and services is emphasized, as county hospitals aim to retain patients and provide comprehensive care [6][7] Equipment Lifecycle and Decision-Making - Medical devices typically have a usage cycle of 8-10 years, making the introduction of key equipment crucial for a hospital's capabilities over the next decade [9] - The total lifecycle cost of medical devices, including stability, failure rates, and after-sales service, is critical in procurement decisions [10] Training and Support - The lack of experience among medical staff in using new equipment can hinder the effective utilization of these devices, highlighting the need for training and support from manufacturers [12] - Manufacturers are encouraged to provide comprehensive services beyond just selling equipment, including training and ongoing support to enhance diagnostic capabilities [12] Regulatory and Policy Recommendations - Experts call for improved centralized procurement rules, emphasizing the need for a quality-based approach rather than solely price competition [13][15] - Recommendations include establishing a quality tracking mechanism and enhancing the evaluation criteria to include product quality, technical level, and service quality [18][17]