Urinary Catheters Market in the Middle East and Africa Expands Amid Rising Urological Needs
May 2025 — Middle East Africa — The urinary catheters market across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) is experiencing steady growth as healthcare infrastructure expands, chronic disease rates climb, and awareness of urological disorders improves. Once considered a niche medical device category, urinary catheters are becoming a critical component of patient care, especially in hospitals, elder care, and post-operative settings.
What Are Urinary Catheters?
Urinary catheters are flexible tubes inserted into the bladder to drain and collect urine, typically used when a person is unable to urinate naturally. These devices are essential in a range of medical scenarios, including:
Post-surgical recovery
Spinal cord injuries
Urinary incontinence
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Prolonged immobilization
The three main types of urinary catheters include:
Indwelling (Foley) catheters
Intermittent (in-and-out) catheters
External (condom) catheters
Market Dynamics in the MEA Region
? Epidemiological Factors
The growing prevalence of diabetes, obesity, and aging populations—particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—is increasing the incidence of urinary retention and bladder dysfunction.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, rising surgical interventions and trauma-related injuries are also boosting demand for catheterization.
? Infrastructure Development
Governments across the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, are investing heavily in modernizing healthcare systems and building specialty clinics, expanding the medical devices market.
African countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria are scaling up urology and rehabilitation care, creating demand for both basic and advanced catheter solutions.
Key Market Trends
1. ? Shift Toward Intermittent Catheters
Intermittent self-catheterization (ISC) is gaining traction in urban hospitals and home care settings for patients with chronic urological issues. These are seen as safer and more comfortable than long-term indwelling catheters.
2. ?️ Infection Prevention Focus
Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are a major concern in hospitals. As a result, there’s growing demand for:
Antimicrobial-coated catheters
Hydrophilic-coated catheters
Silicone-based, latex-free materials
3. ? Rise in Home Care and Geriatric Use
An increasing number of elderly patients are being cared for at home, especially in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa. This is expanding the market for single-use and portable catheter systems.
Challenges in the MEA Market
? Limited Affordability and Reimbursement: In many low-income regions, access to high-quality catheters is restricted due to cost and lack of insurance coverage.
? Cultural Sensitivity and Stigma: In some parts of the region, discussing or treating urinary incontinence is socially sensitive, delaying care.
?️ Lack of Trained Personnel: Proper catheterization techniques are essential to avoid infection, but staff shortages and training gaps remain, especially in rural hospitals.
Leading Players and Distributors
Global and regional companies operating in MEA include:
Teleflex Inc.
B. Braun Melsungen AG
Coloplast A/S
C. R. Bard (BD)
Medtronic Plc
Urocare (local distribution in South Africa and GCC countries)
These companies often rely on partnerships with local distributors to navigate regulatory frameworks and meet import requirements.
Outlook and Opportunities
The MEA urinary catheters market is projected to reach over $550 million by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5–6%, driven by:
Urban population growth
Private and public hospital expansion
Increased adoption of minimally invasive urology care
Government focus on infection control and elderly care services
Final Thought
As the Middle East and Africa region faces rising healthcare demands, urinary catheters are proving essential in managing both acute and chronic medical conditions. With a mix of technological innovation, policy support, and patient education, the MEA urinary catheter market is well-positioned for long-term growth—ensuring better urological care across diverse populations.
