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Healthcare Technologies Resource Guide - Export.gov

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Dominican Republic<br />

Summary<br />

In the Dominican Republic, the demand for medical equipment and supplies<br />

will continue to grow over the next years driven by the changes in the<br />

Dominican Social Security law, the steady growth in the number of privatelyowned<br />

hospitals, and the continually-rising need for medical products for a<br />

growing population. There is a strong preference for U.S. goods, provided the<br />

prices are competitive. U.S. exporters of medical equipment and supplies to<br />

the Dominican Republic enjoy numerous advantages, including the positive<br />

reputation as manufacturers of good quality; quick delivery time; close<br />

proximity to the U.S. that results in reduced shipping charges; and small order<br />

accommodations. Since many Dominican physicians have been trained in the<br />

U.S., they are highly receptive to U.S. products.<br />

Market Entry<br />

U.S. products and services enjoy favorable access to the Dominican market.<br />

The Central American Free Trade Agreement-Dominican Republic (CAFTA-<br />

DR) provides for duty-free entry of medical equipment and pharmaceutical<br />

products. To succeed in the Dominican market in the healthcare sector, it is<br />

advisable to have a local distributor that can provide after-sales and leasing<br />

services, support guarantees, and maintain inventories for parts and supplies.<br />

<strong>Export</strong>ing directly to the private hospitals can be extremely challenging since<br />

procurement practices in public hospitals dictate that all purchases must be<br />

made through a local Dominican company. Local importers and distributors<br />

usually have sales agents who distribute the products to small retailers<br />

throughout the country. Local distributors also conduct promotional activities<br />

to encourage doctors and nurses to use and recommend their products.<br />

However, U.S. exporters should seek local legal counsel prior to signing a<br />

representative agreement with a Dominican agent to ensure that their rights to<br />

terminate an agreement in the future are safeguarded.<br />

Current Market Trends<br />

The Dominican market for medical equipment and supplies depends on<br />

imports. This market, which is largely dominated by U.S. exporters, has<br />

maintained a consistent demand for equipment. It is expected to continue<br />

growing, due to a very competitive situation between private- and public-sector<br />

healthcare facilities for the acquisition of modern technologies in machinery<br />

and equipments. Price is the primary determining factor for the purchase<br />

of disposable such as gauze, surgical drapes, surgical catgut, and the like.<br />

However, when purchasing surgical sterilizers, ophthalmic surgery instruments,<br />

breathing appliances and gas mask, etc., quality is the deciding criterion. The<br />

Statistics<br />

Capital: Santo Domingo<br />

Population: 10 million<br />

GDP: USD 94.58 billion (est. 2011)<br />

Currency: Dominican Peso<br />

Language: Spanish<br />

U.S. Commercial Service <strong>Healthcare</strong> <strong>Technologies</strong> <strong>Resource</strong> <strong>Guide</strong> | 2012–2013<br />

Contact<br />

Isolda Frías<br />

Commercial Advisor<br />

isolda.frias@trade.<strong>gov</strong><br />

(809) 227-2121 x226<br />

27

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