COVID-19
Business as usual The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have been felt across the globe with huge consequences for healthcare investors. HealthInvestor UK looks at the outlook for the sector
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hile the precise economic fallout of Covid-19 will approaches to provision were highlighted,” says Long. vary by sector, none are completely unaffected. We may also see a heightened focus on prevention, and Such widespread disruption often catalyses a consumers increasing their out-of-pocket spend. In the UK, shift in market structures, with oligopolies’ strength tested it has become apparent that Covid-19 is hitting people with by nimbler businesses. The pharmaceuticals and medical underlying and often preventable conditions the hardest. devices sectors are no exception. We have seen an increase in the area of prevention at As in many industries, the pandemic has accelerated European LifeCare Group, one of Europe’s largest providers previous trends already under way, with technology a of vaccination services. The firm has opened 10 new clinics major driving force in this. Ben Long, a in London since partnering with Inflexion partner at Inflexion says: “Just as remote in 2018, and more recently has seen a rise working has been enabled by technology in patients self-funding private healthcare Clinicians’ time is previously unheard of to many, the services. And Lintbells, a leading producer healthcare sector too has seen changes of nutritional supplements for pets in the less monopolised underpinned by tech innovation. This is UK backed by Inflexion in 2017, has seen by larger players having a dramatic effect in a sector which a marked uptick in interest in pet as well now and they’re typically changes very slowly given the as pet parent health in 2020. increasingly willing The UK government is taking steps human risks involved.” to engage with towards building a fitter Britain. Over The Covid-19 crisis has shone a light the summer, it announced a £2 billion on how countries spend their healthcare digital channels budgets. While all aim to maximise plan to overhaul cycling and walking in limited funds, the pandemic exposed areas England by creating thousands of miles where some countries found themselves of new protected bike lanes, cycle training for all who want it, and bikes available on prescription. under-provided, for example in intensive care provision or prevention of comorbidities which were then aggravated The government statement said: “Tackling the causes of by Covid-19. “We may see shifts in macro allocations ill health, not just the symptoms, it’s vital to help reduce to healthcare and within healthcare as variations in the demand on the NHS.”
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HealthInvestor UK • September/October 2020
