India Surgical Masks Market, by Product (Basic surgical mask, Anti-fog surgical mask, Fluid/splash-resistant surgical mask, and N95 mask), Distribution Channel (Hospitals & Clinics, Drug Stores and Online Stores), and Sales Channel (Business to Business, Business to Customer and Business to Government): Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2027

Surgical masks are disposable devices that cover the mouth and nose during medical procedures. They prevent the spread of infection between diseased and healthy population. Surgical masks are typically used in a health facility (hospitals, emergency departments, out-patient facilities, residential care facilities, emergency medical services) and home health care delivery. The India surgical mask market was valued at $71.73 million in 2019, and is expected to reach $157.13 million by 2027, registering a CAGR of 10.3% from 2020 to 2027.

This growth rate is mainly attributed to number of surgical procedures performed in India annually. The country is currently facing a multifaceted burden of infectious disease, neonatal disease, non-communicable diseases, maternal disease, and injuries. The need for surgical products and services in India is expected to continue to rise noticeably from now until 2030. Thus, this overall increase in the number of surgical procedures performed in India is projected to bolster the demand for surgical products such as masks and gloves in the years to come, ultimately driving the growth of the India surgical masks market. Likewise, surgical masks, are being widely used to prevent the transmission of infections and maintain hygiene, as they are sterile, repellant, and do not absorb any bacteria & viruses. Patients and healthcare professionals are susceptible to hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) during medical treatments in a healthcare facility. Thus, this increase in HAIs is further supplementing the India surgical masks market growth. 

Furthermore, the recent outbreak of COVID-19 in the country, has led to an abrupt increase in demand for surgical masks by the healthcare workers and the general population. As the government made it mandatory to wear masks in public spaces, the panic buying behavior of the population, resulted in shortage of surgical masks in the month of March, 2020. As the use of masks is an effective measure in preventing and controlling the infection, which can restrict the spread of respiratory viral diseases, including COVID-19, the demand continues to witness high rise throughout the COVID-19 pandemic phase. Thus, this surge in pandemics or epidemics is anticipated to boost the demand for surgical masks in the country. 

However, surgical disposables such as masks, contain absorbent chemicals and are discarded after use. Most of these masks are made of superabsorbent polymers such as polyacrylate, which are non-biodegradable. These products contain more than 90% plastic with superabsorbent polymers and non-woven plastic components. Thus, the disposal issue of these masks has become an environmental hazard, which impedes the growth of the India surgical masks market. Similarly, increase in usage of less invasive surgeries is anticipated to decrease the use of surgical masks in the upcoming years. Minimally invasive surgeries are estimated to reduce the usage of surgical apparels such as surgical masks, caps, and others in hospitals, during operative procedures. In addition, the use of efficient robotics in surgical procedures is further anticipated to reduce the demand for protective apparels required by surgeons during medical procedures. Conversely, technological integration in the process of surgical masks making is expected to create beneficial opportunities in the future. Advancements in production of reusable nonwoven products such as antimicrobial fibers and improved comfort are expected to fuel the growth of the India surgical masks market during the forecast period.

The research study categorizes India surgical masks market on the basis of product, distribution channel and sales channel. Based on product, the market is categorized into basic surgical mask, anti-fog surgical mask, fluid/splash-resistant surgical mask, and N95 mask. Based on distribution channel, the market is divided into hospitals & clinics, drug stores and online stores. Based on sales channel, the India surgical masks market is classified into business to business, business to customer and business to government.

Product Segment Review

By product, the fluid/splash resistant surgical mask and basic surgical mask segments dominate the overall market, and is anticipated to continue this trend during the forecast period. Fluid/splash resistant surgical masks and basic surgical masks are worn in operation theatres and at every healthcare department, which requires patient inspection. The increase in the use of basic surgical mask is attributed to rise in awareness toward airborne diseases in every healthcare facilities across the globe. Moreover, the use of surgical masks has increased among the general population, due to rise in outbreaks of airborne infections in the recent years. Lower threat of substitutes and inevitable use of surgical masks are anticipated to boost the growth of the India surgical mask market during the forecast period.

Distribution Channel Segment Review

Distribution channels are used for selling products from manufacturer to the end user with the help of intermediaries. Surgical masks in India are supplied via different channels, including hospitals & clinics, drug stores, and online stores. Online stores are the fastest growing distributors of surgical masks, followed by drug stores and hospitals. Online distribution of surgical masks through e-commerce is expected to significantly drive the sales during the forecast period, owing to convenience in providing the customers with bulk orders and handiness in delivering surgical masks directly at the doorstep.

Sales Channel Segment Review

By sales channel, the B2B segment dominated the market in 2019 as several manufacturers and suppliers are undertaking measures to ramp up the production of these masks for ensuring continuous supply of surgical masks across the country. Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, nationwide lockdown and social distancing measures were observed across India; as a result numerous businesses were unable to sell their products and services to the end consumers. Government of India posed several restrictions on manufacturing units amid the virus outbreak in terms of logistics, procurement of materials and number of employees. Thus, various e-commerce platforms such as Smart medical buyer, IndiaMart, Amazon, 1mg.com, Flipkart, and Pharmeasy, repurposed their online digital market place to help connect the manufacturers of surgical masks to the wholesalers, retailers and distributors within India. These platforms are allowing the mask manufacturers to sell their medical disposable products such as surgical masks, gloves, sanitizer, and protective suits in bulk quantities by matching their orders and considering the time, volume & distance for shipping. For instance, Thea-Tex Healthcare (India) Pvt. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of surgical masks tied-up with E-commerce giant Amazon for providing full range of FILTRA branded products across the country.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the key players operating in the India surgical masks market such as Thea-Tex Healthcare (India) Pvt. Ltd., Venus Safety & Health Pvt. Ltd., Magnum Health and Safety Private Limited, Z Plus Disposable, Salus Products, Smilepad Hygiene India Pvt. Ltd., Cartel Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., MBL Impex Private Limited, Medicare Hygiene Limited, Mediblue Health Care Private Limited., Plasti Surge Industries Pvt. Ltd., Medline Industries Inc., Premium Health Care Disposables Private Limited, Kwalitex Healthcare Private Limited, and 3M Company.

Key Benefits For Stakeholders

• This report provides a detailed quantitative analysis of the current India surgical masks market trends and forecast estimations from 2019 to 2027, which assists to identify the prevailing market opportunities. 
• A comprehensive analysis of factors that drive and restrain the growth of the India surgical masks market is provided.
• The projections in this report are made by analyzing the current trends and future market potential from 2020 to 2027, in terms of value.
• An extensive analysis of India surgical masks market provides insights that are expected to allow companies to strategically plan their business moves.
• Key market players within the India surgical masks market are profiled in this report and their strategies are analyzed thoroughly, which helps in understanding competitive outlook of India surgical masks market.

  India Surgical Masks Market, by Product Report Highlights