Description

A syringe is a medical device consisting of a cylindrical tube (the barrel) and a plunger that is pulled or pushed to inject or withdraw fluids. Syringes are commonly used in administering vaccines, medicines, or drawing blood for diagnostic purposes. Disposable syringes, typically made from medical-grade plastic, dominate the market due to their cost-effectiveness, sterility, and prevention of cross-contamination.

Syringes are available in sizes of one (1) ml, two (2) ml, three (3) ml, five (5) ml, ten (10) ml and fifty (50) ml in a variety of designs and consist of either two or three components construction.

Disposable syringes are having many advantages over conventional glass syringes such as light weight, crack resistant, leak proof, disposable, eco-friendly, sterilizable, See through clarity etc.

The syringe, as we know it today, has evolved significantly over the centuries. Early forms of syringes were used in ancient Greece and Rome for irrigation and medical procedures. In 1657, Christopher Wren used a crude syringe to inject liquids into the veins of animals.

The first practical and modern syringe with a needle was developed in 1853 by Alexander Wood and Charles Gabriel Pravaz. Their invention laid the foundation for the medical syringe industry, with subsequent advancements focusing on safety, precision, and ease of use.

The invention of disposable syringes in the 1950s revolutionized the industry, addressing the risks of infection and contamination. Today, syringes are mass-produced using automated technologies, ensuring high precision and sterility.
Global Demand for Syringes

Globally, the syringe market is witnessing significant growth due to factors such as population increase, the prevalence of chronic diseases, and vaccination programs. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other global health bodies have emphasized immunization campaigns, driving the demand for syringes.

The global syringes market size was valued at $15,340 Million in 2019, and is projected to reach $32,394.74 million by 2027, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nine point six percent (9.6%) from 2020 to 2027.

High prevalence of chronic diseases across the globe, rising geriatric population, increasing adoption of safety syringes, technological advancements, and increasing demand for vaccines are supporting the market growth of syringes.

However, high cost of safety syringes and increasing incidence of needle stick injuries are the major challenges in market.

Nigeria, with its population of over two hundred million (200,000,000), represents a significant market for syringes. The healthcare sector’s rapid development, combined with government efforts to improve medical infrastructure, has driven syringe demand.

The syringes needed in Nigeria is between two billion to two billion, five hundred million (2,000,000,000 -2,500,000,000) annually and all the eight (8) licensed local manufacturers have the capacity to produce ne billion, nine hundred and fifty million (1,950,000,000) units of syringes per annum if provided with favourable business environment, said Akin Oyediran, president, Medical Device Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MDMAN).

Data shows that an estimated over one billion (1,000,000,000) units per annum of syringes and needles are being imported into the country thus expose the country to health hazards and loss of huge foreign exchange.

Factors Driving Demand:

o Vaccination Campaigns: Programs targeting diseases such as polio, measles, and COVID-19 have created a surge in demand.
o Healthcare Expansion: Increased establishment of hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers boosts syringe usage.
o Government Initiatives: Efforts to reduce dependency on imports and promote local manufacturing have created opportunities for syringe producers.
o Private Sector Growth: The rise of private healthcare facilities and diagnostic labs contributes to consistent syringe demand.

Despite this, Nigeria imports a significant portion of its syringes, creating an untapped opportunity for local manufacturers.

Nigeria’s syringe production industry is growing but still faces competition from imports. The country has seen the establishment of several local syringe manufacturers aiming to reduce import dependency and meet domestic demand.