Moody's Investors Service predicted a stable 2019 outlook for U.S. for-profit hospitals and global pharmaceuticals and a positive one for U.S. medical devices.
While Moody's expects demand for healthcare products and services worldwide to increase due to aging populations and better access in emerging markets, political risks will increase the pressure to control spending.
"Rising healthcare spending will continue globally in 2019, as aging populations in mature markets increase demand, access to care in emerging markets improves and technology and innovation drive new product launches," said Jessica Gladstone, a Moody’s associate managing director for the healthcare team. "Globally, healthcare payers will continue to focus on cost-effectiveness and the overall value of products and services with an eye to reducing costs."