Recently, I was chatting with a few friends in the medical industry and noticed everyone is talking about the shortage of medical supplies in Spain. It seems that besides during the pandemic, there’s also a significant demand for specific medical consumables and equipment on a regular basis. While looking into medical immigration, I also dug up some information on impressive local Spanish companies in this field. I’m sharing this with everyone, hoping it will be useful whether you’re stocking up at home or have friends in the business.
Analysis of Current Shortages
First, let’s clarify what’s actually in short supply on the market. According to news and industry reports, the highest demand is currently centered on personal protective equipment (PPE) and routine diagnostic consumables. Specifically, these fall into several categories:
- High-protection level face masks
- Medical protective suits and isolation gowns
- Medical gloves
- Goggles and face shields
- Rapid test kits
High-protection masks and high-quality protective suits, in particular, seem to be a constant necessity. While the supply of standard medical masks in regular pharmacies is relatively stable, the availability of professional-grade equipment is less certain.
A Look at Local Spanish Medical Companies
Although many supplies are imported, Spain has its own share of strong local medical companies. Knowing about these firms can not only help us find more reliable sources but also give us a general understanding of Spain’s medical industry. I’ve listed a few representative ones, and you can also check out this guide on medical supplies in Spain.
| Company Name | Main Product Area | Key Features |
| Werfen | In-vitro diagnostics, medical devices | A global leader in diagnostic fields such as autoimmunity and hemostasis. |
| Grifols | Plasma-derived products, diagnostic equipment | One of the world’s largest plasma product companies, with a strong presence. |
| Normon | Pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter drugs | One of Spain’s largest domestic drug manufacturers with a wide product line. |
| Indas | Sanitary products, adult diapers | Holds a high market share in personal care and hygiene consumables. |
| Telic Group | Physiotherapy, cosmetic ingredients | Produces medical gels, massage creams, etc., used by many physiotherapy centers. |
The table above is for personal reference only and does not constitute any investment or purchasing advice. I just feel that these companies’ products have high coverage in Spain and their quality is relatively assured. For instance, you can often see products from Normon or Telic in pharmacies or physiotherapy centers. Companies like Werfen and Grifols are more specialized, primarily collaborating with hospitals and large laboratories.
I feel there are still many opportunities in this field. However, the medical industry is complex, with very strict certifications and regulations. If any friends are truly considering entering this market, for instance, to source scarce medicines in Spain, it’s crucial to conduct thorough preliminary research. As regular consumers, knowing this information can help us make better choices when needed and avoid buying substandard products. I hope this information is helpful to everyone!