의료용 가스 세계 시장 규모는 2024년에 156억 달러에 달했습니다. 향후 IMARC Group은 시장이 2033년까지 261억 8,000만 달러에 달해 2025년부터 2033년까지 5.76%의 CAGR을 기록할 것으로 예상하고 있습니다. 현재 북미가 시장을 독점하고 있으며, 2024년에는 37.8% 이상의 시장 점유율을 차지했습니다. 호흡기질환 및 심혈관질환(CVD)과 같은 만성질환의 유병률 증가, 의료 기술의 다양한 발전, 재택의료 및 원격의료에 대한 추세 증가 등이 시장을 주도하는 주요 요인으로 꼽힙니다.
의료용 가스는 환자 관리, 진단, 치료 및 의료 절차를 지원하기 위해 다양한 의료 및 건강 관리 용도에 사용되는 특수 가스입니다. 이러한 가스는 병원, 진료소, 외래 진료소, 재택의료 환경과 같은 의료 시설에서 필수적입니다. 의료 환경에서 사용되기 때문에 안전과 순도를 보장하기 위해 신중하게 제조, 보관, 유통됩니다. 의료용 가스는 치료 및 중재 중 환자의 안전과 건강을 보장하기 위해 통제된 방식으로 환자에게 투여됩니다.
현재 진행 중인 COVID-19 팬데믹으로 인해 호흡기질환을 앓고 있는 환자들에게 필수적이고 효과적인 치료법인 산소 가스의 필요성이 더욱 커지고 있습니다. 이러한 긴급성으로 인해 많은 정부가 의료용 산소 가스의 수입과 현지 생산을 우선순위에 두고 COVID-19 환자를 치료하는 의료 시설에 지속적인 공급을 보장하고 있습니다. 이 외에도 산소와 같은 의료용 가스는 폐렴, 말라리아, 패혈증, 수막염과 같은 특정 건강 상태에 대처하는 데 매우 중요한 역할을 합니다. 또한, 의료용 산소의 투여는 특히 어린이와 산모와 같은 취약 계층의 경우, 불안정한 의료 개입 중에 필수적인 역할을 합니다. 또한, 암 유병률의 증가와 외과 수술에 대한 수요는 액체 질소의 필요성을 더욱 부추기고 있습니다. 액체 질소는 생물학적 표본을 보존하고, 혈액과 조직을 동결하고, 피부과 및 냉동 수술과 같은 분야에서 병든 조직을 제거하기 위한 냉동제로서 역할을 합니다. 또한, 프리미엄급 의료용 가스 및 혼합 가스의 도입은 시장 성장을 촉진할 것으로 예상됩니다. 이러한 특화된 제품은 특정 의료 수요를 충족시키고 의료용 가스 응용 분야의 진화를 보장하며 이 분야의 기술 혁신을 촉진할 것입니다.
호흡기질환, 심혈관계 질환 등 만성질환 유병률 증가
만성폐쇄성폐질환(COPD), 천식, 간질성 폐질환 등 호흡기질환의 발병률이 증가함에 따라 산소와 같은 호흡 보조용 의료용 가스가 요구되고 있습니다. 호흡곤란 환자는 산소 요법이 필요한데, 이는 혈류 내 산소 농도를 적절하게 유지하여 증상을 완화하는 데 필수적입니다. 그 외에도 심부전, 관상동맥질환, 고혈압과 같은 심혈관계 질환은 진단 목적이나 의료 개입 시 의료용 가스가 필요한 경우가 많습니다. 아산화질소는 심혈관 수술 중 마취제로 사용되어 환자의 편안함과 안정성을 보장합니다. 또한, 의료용 가스는 만성질환이 진행된 환자에게 완화 치료를 제공할 때에도 필수적입니다.
의료 기술의 다양한 발전
기술의 발전은 복강경이나 내시경과 같은 최소침습 수술의 개발로 이어졌습니다. 탄산가스와 같은 의료용 가스는 수술 부위를 확보하기 위해 사용되며, 외과의사가 더 작은 절개창으로 수술할 수 있도록 하여 조직 외상을 줄이고 환자의 회복을 앞당길 수 있게 해줍니다. 또한, 호흡기 치료 장비의 발전으로 호흡기질환에 대한 보다 표적화된 맞춤형 치료가 가능해졌습니다. 산소와 같은 의료용 가스는 산소발생기나 휴대용 산소 공급 시스템과 같은 첨단 산소 치료 장비를 통해 투여됩니다. 그 외에도 냉동 수술과 피부과학의 다양한 발전으로 이상 조직이나 질병 조직을 동결 및 파괴하기 위해 액체 질소와 같은 의료용 가스의 사용이 확대되고 있습니다. 냉동 치료 장비는 제어된 표적 치료를 제공하고 주변 건강 조직에 대한 손상을 최소화하기 위해 시장을 주도하고 있습니다.
재택의료와 원격의료에 대한 관심 증가
COPD와 같은 만성 호흡기질환을 앓고 있는 환자들은 증상을 관리하고 삶의 질을 향상시키기 위해 산소 요법을 필요로 하며, 재택의료에서는 산소 같은 의료용 가스를 환자의 집에서 공급하는 경우가 많습니다. 재택의료의 발전으로 환자가 장기간 입원하지 않고도 산소 치료를 받을 수 있게 되면서 의료용 산소 가스에 대한 수요가 증가하고 있습니다. 또한, 의료용 가스는 산소 치료 외에도 분무기, 통증 관리, 호흡기 치료 등 다양한 용도로 사용되고 있습니다. 재택의료와 원격의료의 확대로 환자들은 집에서 보다 다양한 의료용 가스 치료를 받을 수 있게 되어 의료용 가스의 수요를 더욱 증가시키고 있습니다.
The global medical gases market size was valued at USD 15.6 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 26.18 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.76% during 2025-2033. North America currently dominates the market, holding a market share of over 37.8% in 2024. The rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), various advancements in medical technology, and the increasing trend toward home healthcare and telemedicine are some of the major factors propelling the market.
Medical gases are specialized gases that are used in various medical and healthcare applications to support patient care, diagnosis, treatment, and medical procedures. These gases are essential in medical facilities such as hospitals, clinics, ambulatory care centers, and home healthcare settings. They are carefully produced, stored, and distributed to ensure safety and purity for use in medical environments. Medical gases are administered to patients in a controlled manner to ensure their safety and well-being during medical treatments and interventions.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has escalated the need for oxygen gas, an essential and effective treatment for patients struggling with respiratory issues. This urgency has prompted numerous governments to prioritize the import and local production of medical oxygen gas, ensuring a continuous supply to healthcare facilities treating COVID-19 cases. Beyond this, medical gases like oxygen also play a pivotal role in addressing specific health conditions such as pneumonia, malaria, sepsis, and meningitis. Moreover, the administration of medical oxygen remains vital for vulnerable populations, particularly children and mothers, during precarious medical interventions. Additionally, the rising prevalence of cancer and the demand for surgical procedures are fueling the requirement for liquid nitrogen, which acts as a cryogen to preserve biological specimens, freeze blood, tissue, and eliminate diseased tissue in fields like dermatology and cryosurgery. Furthermore, the introduction of premium-grade medical gases and gas mixtures is poised to propel market growth. These specialized offerings cater to specific medical needs, affirming the evolving landscape of medical gas applications and driving innovation in the sector.
Rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases
The rising incidence of respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, demands medical gases like oxygen for respiratory support. Patients experiencing breathing difficulties require oxygen therapy, which is essential for maintaining adequate oxygen levels in their bloodstream and alleviating symptoms. Besides, cardiovascular disorders, including heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension, often require medical gases for diagnostic purposes and during medical interventions. Nitrous oxide is utilized as an anesthetic agent during cardiovascular surgeries, ensuring patient comfort and stability. Moreover, medical gases are indispensable in providing palliative care to patients with advanced stages of chronic diseases.
Various advancements in medical technology
Technological advancements have led to the development of minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as laparoscopy and endoscopy. Medical gases like carbon dioxide are used to create a clear operating field, enabling surgeons to perform procedures with smaller incisions, reduced tissue trauma, and faster patient recovery. Moreover, advancements in respiratory therapy equipment have enabled more targeted and personalized treatment for respiratory disorders. Medical gases like oxygen are administered through advanced oxygen therapy devices, including oxygen concentrators and portable oxygen delivery systems. Besides, various advances in cryosurgery and dermatology have expanded the use of medical gases like liquid nitrogen for freezing and destroying abnormal or diseased tissue. Cryotherapy devices offer controlled and targeted treatment, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue, thus propelling the market.
Increasing trend toward home healthcare and telemedicine
Home healthcare often involves the provision of medical gases like oxygen to patients in their own residences. Patients with chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD require oxygen therapy to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. The trend toward home healthcare allows patients to receive oxygen therapy without the need for prolonged hospital stays, leading to increased demand for medical oxygen gases. Moreover, medical gases have various applications beyond oxygen therapy, such as nebulization, pain management, and respiratory treatments. The expansion of home healthcare and telemedicine allows patients to receive a wider range of medical gas treatments in the comfort of their homes, further driving the demand for medical gases.
Pure gases (medical oxygen) represent most used gas type
Pure gases are essential for medical applications that require precise concentrations and accurate dosages. Medical procedures such as anesthesia, respiratory therapy, and diagnostic testing necessitate gases with consistent and known compositions to achieve reliable results. Moreover, many medical procedures require a controlled environment to achieve desired outcomes. Pure gases provide the necessary control over variables like gas composition and pressure, ensuring optimal conditions for treatments, surgeries, and therapies. Besides, medical equipment and devices are calibrated and designed to work with specific gas compositions. Pure gases maintain the integrity of medical equipment and help prevent malfunctions that could impact patient care.
Therapeutic applications hold the largest market share
Medical gases, especially oxygen, are extensively used to manage respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and respiratory distress syndrome. Therapeutic oxygen delivery supports patients with compromised breathing and improves their quality of life. Besides, medical gases are indispensable in critical care units and emergency settings. They are administered to stabilize patients with acute respiratory distress, trauma, cardiac arrest, and other life-threatening conditions, playing a pivotal role in preventing further complications. Moreover, these gases are integrated into various rehabilitation and physiotherapy programs. They assist patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, or neurological disorders, aiding in improved breathing and overall well-being.
Hospitals account for the majority of market share
Hospitals provide a wide range of medical services, including surgeries, emergency care, critical care, diagnostics, and treatments. Medical gases are utilized extensively in these diverse medical applications, such as anesthesia during surgeries, oxygen therapy for patients with respiratory conditions, and medical gas mixtures for diagnostic procedures. Moreover, hospitals perform a multitude of surgical procedures, ranging from routine surgeries to complex operations. Medical gases like oxygen and anesthetic gases are crucial for ensuring patient safety, comfort, and successful outcomes during surgical interventions. Besides, diagnostic imaging procedures, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, often involve the use of medical gases. These gases can be used to create contrast agents for enhanced imaging accuracy.
North America exhibits a clear dominance in the market
The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America accounted for the largest market share.
North America boasts advanced healthcare infrastructure, including well-established hospitals, clinics, research centers, and medical facilities. This robust infrastructure creates a high demand for medical gases for various medical procedures, surgeries, diagnostics, and patient care. Moreover, the region is a hub for medical research and technological innovation. Technological advancements in medical treatments, procedures, and diagnostic tools often require specialized medical gases for accurate diagnostics and efficient interventions, further driving the demand for these gases. Besides, the high prevalence of chronic diseases in North America, such as respiratory disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, drives the demand for medical gases for treatments, therapies, and life support systems.
The competitive landscape of the market is characterized by the presence of multiple players that include established brands, emerging startups, and specialty manufacturers. Presently, leading companies are focusing on innovating their medical gas offerings by introducing advanced gas mixtures, specialized formulations, and new delivery methods to cater to evolving medical needs and treatment modalities. They are also forming strategic partnerships with healthcare providers, hospitals, clinics, and research institutions to establish a strong network and secure long-term contracts. Besides, companies are expanding their market presence through geographical expansion, entering emerging markets with growing healthcare infrastructure, and establishing new distribution channels to reach a wider customer base.
The market research report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include: