Diagnostic Imaging Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product (X-Ray, Ultrasound, Computed Tomography, Nuclear Imaging, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging), By Application (Oncology, Neurology, Cardiology, Gynecology, Orthopedics, and Others), By End Use (Hospitals, Diagnostic Imaging Centers, and Ambulatory Imaging Centers), By Region and Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 28.12 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	5.09%
Fastest Growing Segment	X-Ray
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 37.88 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Diagnostic Imaging Market will grow from USD 28.12 Billion in 2025 to USD 37.88 Billion by 2031 at a 5.09% CAGR. Diagnostic imaging encompasses a diverse range of medical technologies, such as X-ray, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound, utilized to visualize internal physiological structures for the diagnosis and monitoring of medical conditions. The market is primarily propelled by fundamental demographic shifts, specifically a rapidly aging global population and the associated rise in the prevalence of chronic pathologies like cardiovascular disease and cancer. These factors create a sustained necessity for frequent diagnostic procedures and early disease intervention, providing a robust foundation for market expansion that is distinct from temporary technological trends.

However, a significant challenge impeding the market's full scalability is the critical global shortage of trained radiologists and technicians, which limits the capacity of healthcare systems to meet rising procedural volumes. This workforce deficit creates severe bottlenecks and delays in patient care. According to the Royal College of Radiologists, in 2024, the clinical radiology workforce operated with a 29% shortfall, as the demand for complex scans such as CT and MRI grew by 8% while the consultant workforce expanded by only 4.7%.

Key Market Drivers

The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in imaging workflows is revolutionizing the Global Diagnostic Imaging Market by enhancing diagnostic precision and operational efficiency. These technologies are increasingly critical for mitigating workforce shortages, as they automate routine image analysis, optimize scan protocols, and prioritize urgent cases for radiologist review. This technological adoption is accelerating rapidly as regulatory bodies clear more sophisticated algorithms for clinical use. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in August 2024, the cumulative number of authorized artificial intelligence and machine learning-enabled medical devices reached 950, with radiology applications accounting for 76% of these approvals. By streamlining workflows and reducing scan times, AI integration not only improves patient throughput but also maximizes the utility of existing imaging infrastructure.

Increasing government and private investments in healthcare infrastructure are further driving market growth, particularly aimed at clearing post-pandemic backlogs and modernizing aging equipment fleets. Public sector initiatives are channeling substantial funds into the procurement of advanced diagnostic modalities to decentralize care and improve accessibility. According to the UK Government, in October 2024, £1.5 billion was allocated in the Autumn Budget to expand diagnostic capabilities, including the establishment of new surgical hubs and the deployment of modern scanners. These investments directly translate into robust financial performance for major industry players who supply these critical technologies. According to Siemens Healthineers, in November 2024, its Imaging business segment reported a comparable revenue growth of 7.7% for the fourth quarter of the fiscal year, highlighting the sustained global demand for advanced diagnostic systems.

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Key Market Challenges

The shortage of trained radiologists and technicians constitutes a structural barrier that fundamentally restricts the scalability of the global diagnostic imaging market. While the prevalence of chronic diseases drives a theoretical need for higher procedure volumes, the capacity of healthcare providers to convert this demand into actual market growth is capped by the availability of human expertise. Imaging equipment cannot generate value without qualified personnel to operate it and interpret the results; consequently, the workforce deficit acts as a hard ceiling on operational throughput. This limitation forces facilities to delay the acquisition of new technologies, as capital budgets are diverted toward premium labor costs rather than expanding diagnostic capabilities.

This operational strain significantly impedes the market's trajectory by creating systemic inefficiencies. According to the Royal College of Radiologists, in 2024, 97% of radiology departments were forced to rely on expensive insourcing or outsourcing measures to cope with unmanageable reporting workloads. This heavy dependence on external support indicates that the market has reached a saturation point where existing staffing levels cannot support organic growth. As healthcare systems struggle to manage these bottlenecks, the deployment of additional imaging infrastructure is stalled, directly hampering the broader market's expansion potential.

Key Market Trends

The market is increasingly prioritizing sustainable and eco-friendly imaging solutions, driven by the urgent need to reduce the environmental footprint of energy-intensive modalities like MRI and CT. Manufacturers are engineering systems that minimize power consumption and dependency on scarce resources such as helium, which is critical for cooling conventional magnets. This shift is not merely regulatory but operational, as healthcare facilities seek to lower long-term running costs and safeguard against supply chain volatilities. According to Royal Philips, March 2025, in the 'How Philips is Embedding Sustainability in Healthcare' report, its BlueSeal magnet technology has collectively saved more than 2.75 million liters of helium since 2018, illustrating the rapid scale of adoption for helium-free infrastructure.

Simultaneously, the proliferation of portable and point-of-care devices is democratizing diagnostic access, moving imaging beyond traditional hospital suites into diverse clinical settings. Advancements in semiconductor technology have enabled the development of handheld ultrasound units that offer high-resolution imaging at a fraction of the cost and size of cart-based systems. This trend facilitates immediate bedside diagnosis, reducing patient wait times and alleviating the burden on central radiology departments. According to Butterfly Network, May 2025, in its 'First Quarter 2025 Financial Results', the company reported a 20% year-over-year growth in quarterly revenue, underscoring the surging demand for agile, handheld imaging solutions in the global market.

Segmental Insights

Based on current industry analysis, the X-Ray segment is positioned as the fastest-growing category within the Global Diagnostic Imaging Market. This rapid expansion is primarily driven by the widespread technological transition from analog film-based systems to digital radiography. Healthcare facilities are increasingly adopting digital X-ray solutions to optimize clinical workflows, reduce image processing time, and enhance diagnostic precision. Additionally, the surging demand for portable and mobile X-ray units for point-of-care testing has fueled this growth. Frequent product approvals by regulatory bodies like the U.S. FDA for AI-integrated X-ray systems further underscore the dynamic evolution and accelerated adoption of this modality.

Regional Insights

North America leads the global diagnostic imaging market, driven by a well-established healthcare infrastructure and high adoption rates of advanced medical technologies. This dominance is largely attributed to the rising prevalence of chronic disorders, including cardiovascular diseases and cancer, which necessitates frequent diagnostic examinations. Furthermore, the presence of key industry players and favorable reimbursement policies supports continuous market expansion. Streamlined product approvals by the US Food and Drug Administration also facilitate the timely introduction of new imaging systems, reinforcing the region's strong market position.

Recent Developments

• In November 2024, Canon Medical Systems USA announced the commercial availability of the Vantage Galan 3T / Supreme Edition, a magnetic resonance imaging system comprised entirely of Canon-manufactured components. This new system featured a novel magnet design and a real-time platform intended to provide a wider field of view and greater image stability during scans. The company integrated its proprietary artificial intelligence suite to improve image reconstruction quality and decrease the duration of examinations. The Director of the Magnetic Resonance Business Unit at Canon Medical Systems stated that these improvements were designed to meet the operational and clinical needs of healthcare facilities.
• In October 2024, Siemens Healthineers signed a twelve-year strategic agreement with University Hospital Nantes in France to upgrade its diagnostic and interventional imaging infrastructure. Valued at €55 million, this partnership focused on the installation of new technology, including photon-counting CT scanners and virtually helium-free MRI systems, across thirteen public hospitals. The collaboration also encompassed the creation of a research laboratory dedicated to medical imaging and initiatives to improve sustainability. The President of Europe at Siemens Healthineers indicated that this long-term alliance aimed to support the hospital network in modernizing its healthcare services and enhancing patient care standards.
• In March 2024, Philips launched the CT 5300 system, a computed tomography platform engineered specifically for the cardiac imaging sector. Introduced at the European Congress of Radiology, this system utilized artificial intelligence algorithms to enhance image resolution and support automated workflows for complex cardiac procedures. The technology was developed to assist radiology departments facing staffing challenges by reducing the time required for scans and administrative tasks. The Business Leader of CT at Philips stated that the system integrated robust imaging capabilities with operational efficiency tools to effectively manage rising patient volumes and improve diagnostic confidence.
• In February 2024, GE HealthCare unveiled its updated LOGIQ ultrasound portfolio, which included the new LOGIQ Totus system, during the European Congress of Radiology in Vienna. This release introduced integrated artificial intelligence tools and digital solutions designed to improve workflow efficiency and diagnostic accuracy for medical professionals. The initiative addressed the increasing global demand for imaging services amidst radiologist shortages by providing systems that facilitate easier operation and fleet management. The General Manager of General Imaging and Primary Care Ultrasound at GE HealthCare noted that these developments focused on enabling precision care and optimizing clinical processes for diverse patient needs.

Key Market Players

• GE HealthCare Technologies Inc.
• Koninklijke Philips N.V.
• Hitachi High-Tech Corporation
• Hologic, Inc.
• Siemens Healthineers AG
• Samsung Medicine Co., Ltd.
• Shimadzu Corporation
• Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
• Esaote S.p.A
• Fujifilm Corporation

By Product	By Application	By End Use	By Region
X-Ray Ultrasound Computed Tomography Nuclear Imaging and Magnetic Resonance Imaging	Oncology Neurology Cardiology Gynecology Orthopedics and Others	Hospitals Diagnostic Imaging Centers and Ambulatory Imaging Centers	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Diagnostic Imaging Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Diagnostic Imaging Market, By Product:

• X-Ray
• Ultrasound
• Computed Tomography
• Nuclear Imaging
• and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

• Diagnostic Imaging Market, By Application:

• Oncology
• Neurology
• Cardiology
• Gynecology
• Orthopedics
• and Others

• Diagnostic Imaging Market, By End Use:

• Hospitals
• Diagnostic Imaging Centers
• and Ambulatory Imaging Centers

• Diagnostic Imaging Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE