APAC Departmental PACS Market – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2031

APAC Departmental PACS Market Analysis and Insights

The departmental PACS market encompasses a segment of the healthcare information technology sector dedicated to the storage, retrieval, management, and distribution of medical imaging data within specific hospital departments or medical specialties. PACS is integral to modern medical imaging workflows, enabling radiologists, cardiologists, oncologists, and other specialists to digitally store and access diagnostic images such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds. The system replaces traditional film-based imaging, improving efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility of imaging data, thereby enhancing patient care. A departmental PACS is tailored to meet the unique needs and workflows of individual departments, often featuring specialized tools and interfaces that streamline the imaging process for specific medical practices. These systems facilitate seamless integration with other hospital information systems (HIS) and electronic health records (EHR), ensuring that patient imaging data is readily available across the continuum of care. The market for departmental PACS is driven by the increasing volume of medical imaging procedures, advancements in imaging technology, the need for enhanced diagnostic accuracy, and the push towards digitization in healthcare. Additionally, regulatory requirements and the emphasis on reducing healthcare costs further fuel the adoption of PACS in departmental settings. As healthcare providers continue to recognize the value of efficient imaging data management and improved patient outcomes, the departmental PACS market is poised for significant growth.

Data Bridge Market Research analyzes that the departmental PACS market is expected to reach USD 5.19 billion by 2031 from USD 3.19 billion in 2023, growing with a CAGR of 6.3% in the forecast period of 2024 to 2031.

Market Definition

The departmental PACS market encompasses a segment of the healthcare information technology sector dedicated to the storage, retrieval, management, and distribution of medical imaging data within specific hospital departments or medical specialties. PACS is integral to modern medical imaging workflows, enabling radiologists, cardiologists, oncologists, and other specialists to digitally store and access diagnostic images such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds. The system replaces traditional film-based imaging, improving efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility of imaging data, thereby enhancing patient care. A departmental PACS is tailored to meet the unique needs and workflows of individual departments, often featuring specialized tools and interfaces that streamline the imaging process for specific medical practices. These systems facilitate seamless integration with other hospital information systems (HIS) and electronic health records (EHR), ensuring that patient imaging data is readily available across the continuum of care. The market for departmental PACS is driven by the increasing volume of medical imaging procedures, advancements in imaging technology, the need for enhanced diagnostic accuracy, and the push towards digitization in healthcare. Additionally, regulatory requirements and the emphasis on reducing healthcare costs further fuel the adoption of PACS in departmental settings. As healthcare providers continue to recognize the value of efficient imaging data management and improved patient outcomes, the departmental PACS market is poised for significant growth.

Departmental PACS Market Dynamics

This section deals with understanding the market drivers, opportunities, restraints, and challenges. All of this is discussed in detail below:      

Driver

• Rising Demand for Early Disease Detection

The rising demand for early disease detection significantly drives the APAC Departmental PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) market, primarily because PACS technology enhances the efficiency and accuracy of diagnostic processes. Early disease detection often relies on advanced imaging techniques, which generate vast amounts of data needing efficient storage, retrieval, and analysis. PACS systems provide a digital solution to manage this data, allowing for quick and easy access to medical images and associated information. This capability is crucial for early disease detection, where timely and precise diagnosis can drastically improve patient outcomes. Also, the growing awareness and adoption of preventive healthcare measures in the APAC region have led to increased investments in healthcare infrastructure, including imaging technologies and PACS systems. Governments and healthcare organizations are prioritizing early detection programs to reduce the long-term burden of chronic diseases, further boosting the demand for robust PACS solutions. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) with PACS is also accelerating this trend, as these technologies enhance image analysis, improve diagnostic accuracy, and facilitate the early identification of diseases. Consequently, the escalating emphasis on early disease detection is propelling the expansion of the APAC Departmental PACS market as healthcare providers strive to adopt innovative solutions to meet the growing demand for efficient and effective diagnostic tools.

For instance,

• In November 2023, according to an article published in the journal Radiology Oncology Systems, PACS explored diagnostic imaging equipment’s pivotal role in identifying diseases at their earliest stages. Diagnostic imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, PET scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds remain the frontline defenders against hidden health threats. They enable healthcare professionals to peer inside the body, unveiling anomalies, often before symptoms surface. In a recent study, it was revealed that early diagnosis through diagnostic imaging led to an approximately 20% increase in the effectiveness of cancer treatment options for lung cancer (American Association for Cancer Research). PACS plays a vital role in the prevention and treatment of disease
• In November 2022, according to an article published in GE HealthCare, when patients are disadvantaged from achieving their full health potential, health inequities are reflected in differences in length of life, quality of life, rates of disease, disability, and death, severity of disease, and access to treatment. The inability to access important components in the care path, such as medical imaging, can have a dramatic effect on health outcomes. Advanced medical imaging systems like PACS are needed to focus on the early diagnosis of non-communicable or chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes. Early Diagnosis is necessary to avoid further illness and wrong treatment and expenditure.
• In August 2020, according to the report published by EIT Health, new healthcare technologies like PACS constantly developed at a rapid pace and allowed for detection and diagnosis of diseases at an earlier stage. This trend, also known as early diagnostics, is expected to lead to significant change within healthcare systems as the way that diseases are found and treated are set to be reshaped. It has the potential to improve the quality of care, lower costs and provide treatment at an earlier time. Reducing downstream treatment costs for payers and society, lowering hospitalization rates and pressure on hospitals and clinicians, prescribing the right treatment for a patient, avoiding unnecessary intervention

The growing focus on early disease detection is a significant driver of the APAC Departmental PACS market because PACS technology streamlines the management of vast imaging data, which is crucial for timely and accurate diagnoses. As preventive healthcare gains traction in the region, investments in PACS systems increase, supported by the integration of AI and ML for enhanced diagnostic precision. This trend underscores the critical role of PACS in meeting the rising demand for effective diagnostic tools, thereby fostering market growth.

Restraint

• High Costs Associated with the Implementation of Medical Imaging Management

The high costs associated with the implementation of medical imaging management systems, such as PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems), acts as a significant restraint for the APAC Departmental PACS market. These costs encompass not only the initial investment in sophisticated hardware and software but also the ongoing expenses related to system maintenance, upgrades, and training of medical staff. Smaller healthcare facilities and those in developing regions within the APAC market often face budget constraints, making it challenging to allocate sufficient funds for these advanced imaging management solutions. Furthermore, the financial burden of integrating PACS with existing hospital information systems and ensuring data security and compliance with healthcare regulations adds to the overall cost. These economic challenges can deter healthcare providers from adopting PACS technology despite its benefits in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and operational efficiency. As a result, the market growth of PACS in the APAC region may be hindered, particularly in less affluent areas where the high costs of implementation and maintenance present a significant barrier to adoption.

For instance,

• In April 2024, according to an article by Appinventiv, one of the world’s largest IT services providers, the average cost of developing PACS & DICOM medical imaging software varied from USD 30,000 to USD 300,000. This cost was affected by factors such as software complexity, delivery timelines, location of the hired software development firm, compliance with regulatory standards like HIPAA, and the level of expertise required from the development team. This acted as restraint and hindered the growth of the market
• In November 2019, PACS represented a significant investment as it was a separate software application that had to be purchased independently of the existing Vendor Neutral Archive (VNA) and DICOM viewers. During recent developments, PACS came with high costs, which became a significant restraint in the medical device market. Additionally, integrating a VNA into an existing PACS setup could involve substantial additional expenses, further adding to the financial burden and acted as a restraint in the growth of the market

The high costs of implementing medical imaging management systems, including PACS, act as a significant restraint for the APAC Departmental PACS market. These expenses, which cover initial investments, ongoing maintenance, system upgrades, and staff training, can be prohibitive for smaller or budget-constrained healthcare facilities. The financial burden of integrating PACS with existing systems and ensuring regulatory compliance further exacerbates this challenge. As a result, these high costs can limit the adoption of PACS technology, particularly in less affluent regions, and impede market growth.

Opportunity

• Adoption of AI Technology in Imaging

The adoption of AI technology in imaging presents significant opportunities for the APAC Departmental PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems) market by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, efficiency, and workflow automation. AI-powered algorithms can analyze medical images with high precision, assisting radiologists in detecting anomalies, diagnosing conditions, and prioritizing urgent cases more effectively. This integration streamlines the imaging process, reducing the time required for image analysis and interpretation, which is crucial in high-volume settings. AI enhances the functionality of PACS systems by enabling advanced features such as automated image segmentation, predictive analytics, and decision support tools, which improve overall clinical outcomes. As healthcare providers in the APAC region increasingly seek to leverage AI to manage the growing volume of medical images and optimize diagnostic workflows, the demand for PACS systems that incorporate these advanced technologies is expected to rise. This shift not only positions PACS systems as integral components of modern healthcare infrastructure but also opens up new avenues for innovation and market growth in the APAC region.

For instance,

• In June 2024, according to news report published by MIT news, mentioning that Artificial intelligence and PACS often play a role in medical diagnoses, especially when it comes to analyzing images such as X-rays. These models have also been shown to develop some surprising abilities. In 2022, MIT researchers reported that AI models will expect to make accurate predictions about a patient’s race from their chest X-rays. Their research team has now found that the models that are most accurate at making demographic predictions
• In June 2024, according to news report published by MIT news, reporting that as of May 2024, the FDA has approved 882 AI-enabled medical devices, with 671 of them designed to be used in radiology. Since 2022, when Ghassemi and her colleagues showed that these diagnostic models can accurately predict race, they and other researchers have shown that such models are also very good at predicting gender and age, even though the models are not trained on those tasks
• In March 2024, according to an article published by Elsevier, highlighting about the AI domains such as enhanced image analysis, operational efficiency, predictive and personalized healthcare, and clinical decision support in diagnostic imaging. Concluded that AI is revolutionizing diagnostic imaging by improving accuracy, efficiency, and personalized healthcare delivery
• In April 2024, according to an article published by Elsevier, aimed at mapping the available technology instruments to improve access to imaging at primary health care; to identify the facilitators and barriers, and the knowledge gaps for widespread adaptation of technology solutions. Suggests that teleradiology when combined with AI and mobile digital imaging units can address radiologist shortages; strengthen programs aimed at population screening and emergency care

The adoption of AI technology in imaging creates substantial opportunities for the APAC Departmental PACS market by enhancing diagnostic accuracy and workflow efficiency. AI enables advanced features like automated image analysis and predictive analytics, which streamline the imaging process and improve clinical outcomes. As healthcare providers in APAC increasingly integrate AI to handle growing imaging demands, the need for advanced PACS systems is expected to rise, driving market growth and innovation.

Challenge

• Data Security and Privacy Concerns due to Technical Complexity

Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) are sophisticated technologies that require advanced IT expertise for installation, configuration, and maintenance. The technical demands associated with these systems can lead to substantial operational costs and resource allocation challenges. Ensuring system reliability and minimizing downtime is essential, as disruptions such as system failures, data loss, or software glitches can delay access to critical medical images, which in turn affects diagnostic accuracy and treatment timeliness. The necessity for specialized IT support for troubleshooting and ongoing system updates further complicates and increases the cost of maintaining these systems.

For instance,

• In December 2020, according to an article published by NIST, securing PACS was challenging due to the varied medical imaging needs across different departments within healthcare organizations (HDOs) and the use of multiple PACS or archiving systems. Additionally, external imaging specialists were involved, and diverse clinical users accessed PACS from different locations, creating a complex environment that increased cybersecurity risks
• This complexity posed a challenge for the Asia Pacific Departmental PACS market by making it difficult to ensure robust cybersecurity measures across a fragmented and widely accessed PACS ecosystem
• According to an article published by Open MedScience, PACS systems depends on complex technology, which can lead to issues such as system failures, data loss, and software glitches, causing downtime and delays in patient care. Additionally, PACS requires specialized and often costly training for radiology staff, with ongoing updates needed to keep pace with technological advancements. This challenge impacts the Asia Pacific Departmental PACS Market by increasing operational costs and potentially disrupting patient care due to technical issues and the need for continuous staff training

The technical complexity heightens concerns about data security and privacy, as managing and protecting sensitive medical information across diverse and intricate systems can be particularly challenging, impacting the overall efficiency and security of healthcare facilities.

Recent Developments

• In January 2024, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies and SHL Medical entered strategic partnership agreement to help meet growing market demand for autoinjector medicines. The partnership, part of SHL’s Alliance Management Program, aimed to streamline processes and enhance efficiency for pharmaceutical and biotech companies offering self-injection device finished goods services primarily with SHL’s flagship platform Molly
• In August 2022, the Agfa-Gevaert Group signed a share purchase agreement with AURELIUS Group for the sale of its Offset Solutions division within the framework of its ongoing transformation process. The sales enabled the Group to increase the focus on its growth businesses

Departmental PACS Market Scope

The departmental PACS market is segmented into six notable segments based on Product Type, Component, Application, Integration Level, End User, Distribution Channel. The growth among segments helps you analyze niche pockets of growth and strategies to approach the market and determine your core application areas and the differences in your target markets.

By Product Type (Traditional PACS, Specialty PACS), Component (Software, Services, Hardware), Application (Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), Digital Radiography, Ultrasound, Nuclear Imaging, C-Arms, Others), Integration Level (Integrated PACS, Standalone PACS), End User (Hospital, Radiology Chains/Centers, Ambulatory Surgery Centers, Others), Distribution Channel (Direct Tenders, Third Party Administrators, Others)

Product Type

• Traditional PACS
• Specialty PACS

On the basis of product type, the market is segmented into traditional PACS, and speciality PACS.

Component

• Software
• Services
• Hardware

On the basis of component, the market is segmented into software, services, and hardware.

Application

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Computed Tomography (CT)
• Digital Radiography
• Ultrasound
• Nuclear Imaging
• C-Arms
• Others

On the basis of application, the market is segmented into magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), digital radiography, ultrasound, nuclear imaging, c-arms, and others.

Integration Level

• Integrated PACS
• Standalone PACS

On the basis of integration level, the market is segmented into integrated PACS, and standalone PACS.

End User

• Hospitals
• Radiology Chains/Centers,
• Ambulatory Surgical Centers
• Others

On the basis of end user, the market is segmented into hospitals, radiology chains/centers, ambulatory surgical centers, and others.

Distribution Channel

• Direct Tenders
• Third Party Administrators
• Others

On the basis of distribution channel, the market is segmented into direct tenders, third party administrators, and others.

Departmental PACS Market Regional Analysis/Insights

The departmental PACS market is segmented into nine notable segments based on Product Type, Component, Application, Integration Level, End User, and Distribution Channel.

The countries covered in this market report are China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, New Zealand, Vietnam, rest of Asia-Pacific.

Japan is growing in the APAC departmental PACS market and is expected to dominate the market with an increasing prevalence of chronic disorders in the country.

The country section of the report also provides individual market-impacting factors and changes in regulation in the market domestically that impact the current and future trends of the market. Data points such as new sales, replacement sales, country demographics, regulatory acts, and import-export tariffs are some of the major pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. Also, the presence and availability of global brands and their challenges faced due to large or scarce competition from local and domestic brands and the impact of sales channels are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.

Competitive Landscape and APAC Departmental PACS Market Share Analysis

The departmental PACS market competitive landscape provides details of competitors. Details included are compmarketany overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in R&D, new market initiatives, production sites and facilities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product approvals, product width and breadth, application dominance, and product type lifeline curve. The above data points provided are only related to the company’s focus on the market.

Some of the major market players are FUJIFILM Corporation, GE Healthcare, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Agfa-Gevaert Group, Hyland Software Inc., Lexmark International Inc., Mach 7 Technologies Limited, Novarad Enterprise Healthcare Solutions, Reyence, Siemens (Siemens Healthcare Private Limited), Sectra AB, Softneta, SinoVision, TeleRAD Reporting Services Private Limited, and Voyager Imaging among others.

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