Surgical masks are disposable devices used in healthcare settings to cover the mouth and nose during a surgical medical procedures. A surgical mask is primarily used to protect patients and healthcare workers from people who may have a respiratory infection or to protect sterilized or disinfected medical devices and supplies. They are often used to prevent the spread of disease, such as coronavirus (COVID-19 pandemic). Surgical masks are a simple way to help decrease disease transmission and save lives. Thus, there is an increasing demand worldwide.
Market Statistics:
The global surgical masks market is estimated to account for US$ 5,352.4 Mn in terms of value by the end of 2022.
Drivers:
Increase in prevalence of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) is expected to propel the growth of the global surgical masks market during the forecast period. A hospital-acquired infection, also known as a nosocomial infection is an infection that is acquired in a hospital or other health care facility. For instance, according to the Centres for Disease Control (CDC), in American hospitals alone, hospital-acquired infections account for an estimated 1.7 million infections and 99,000 associated deaths each year.
Opportunities:
Outbreak of COVID-19 (global pandemic) is expected to offer significant growth opportunities for player in the global surgical masks market. For instance, national and intergovernmental health authorities, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and CDC (U.S., Europe, and China), have recommended the use of masks to reduce COVID-19 transmission.
Restraints:
Rise in number of minimally invasive surgeries across the globe is expected to hamper growth of the global surgical masks market during the forecast period. For instance, rise in preference for minimally invasive surgeries are expected to reduce the usage of surgical masks and other surgical apparels in hospitals during a medical procedure.
Global Surgical Masks Market - Impact of Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic
Face masks in combination with other preventive measures, such as physical distancing and getting vaccinated, can help slow the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). According to CDC, wearing a face mask in public places has been shown to reduce the spread of COVID-19, because people who are pre-symptomatic can spread the virus before showing symptoms. Moreover, CDC says surgical N95 masks should be reserved for health care providers. This in turn is expected to aid in the growth of the market.