External operating environment:

GLOBAL HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY DRIVERS

We operate in the global healthcare market, and our operations are influenced by the economic and social context of the patients we serve.

The principal drivers that will influence the global healthcare landscape going forward are:

Driver		Trend		What this means for us
1 Changing demographics		As global demographics are changing, so are the healthcare needs of the world. This includes growing populations that tend to live longer with more complex healthcare issues. Other trends, such as the growing prevalence of obesity, also play a role in determining relevant healthcare services.		We expect the demand for healthcare services to increase in line with an ageing population and increased disease burden. This would also require increasingly complex treatments.
2 Cost of care		On a global scale, the cost of care continues to increase and is expected to become increasingly difficult to afford, placing pressure on margins for healthcare providers who want to provide quality care while remaining competitive in a challenging environment.		Disruptive changes and innovation will differentiate healthcare providers. Therefore, to remain competitive in a tough environment, healthcare providers need to drive positive industry change, engage with regulators and healthcare funders, decrease operational cost while maintaining excellent and efficient quality care.
3 Evolving technology		The way we care for our patients continues to be impacted by new treatments, new technologies and big data. Furthermore, patients are increasingly expecting on-demand online services from healthcare providers in line with the rise in consumerism in other industries.		Insights obtained from patient data and health-tracking technology empowers patients and clinicians to make better choices. Leveraging technological advances will increase efficiencies and transform healthcare delivery, patient monitoring and auxiliary services and, ultimately, better serve patients.
4 Growing consumerism		An increased number of patients expect consistently high-quality care, while value-based healthcare is becoming more important than ever.		To differentiate ourselves from our competitors, we provide patient-centered care with a focus on experience. This is delivered through the rigorous measuring of customer experience and by driving employees to instil a patient-centered focus.
5 Regulations		An increasingly complex and ever-evolving regulatory environment in all territories where we operate.		Governance and compliance with regulations and ethical standards remain a focus area and an integral part of the Group’s culture. It is essential that we stay abreast of any changes to codes, regulations and compliance frameworks, so that we can deliver on our strategy. We have to be willing to adapt to an increasingly complex environment, while remaining cost efficient and providing effective care to our patients.