Precision and Portability: Canada’s Ultrasound Market Aligns with National Diagnostic Modernization Goals

Canada’s ultrasound market is expanding rapidly, driven by rising demand in women’s health and cardiology. Over the past five years, scan volumes have risen steadily with the increase in the rates of heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and maternal care needs, particularly among adults over 60. According to Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound remains the most commonly performed  imaging exam nationwide, reflecting its pivotal role in preventive and diagnostic care.

Building on the momentum, federal and provincial governments are ramping up investment in imaging infrastructure. In 2024, Canada and Nova Scotia launched a three-year USD 253.4 million plan to modernize healthcare, covering ultrasound and X-ray upgrades. British Columbia advanced facility renewals through the Provincial Health Services Authority’s health capital program. Ontario’s USD 110.6 million initiative for Community Diagnostic Centers (CDC) further expanded digital imaging capacity across hospitals and clinics. These programs are enabling hospitals to replace aging systems as well as upgrade to portable and high-resolution ultrasound platforms. However, despite modernization, access remains uneven. Smaller and northern communities continue to depend on mobile imaging units and teleradiology networks to fill service gaps. As per Hospital Intel Suite (HiS), ultrasound capacity varies widely across regions.  Although British Columbia has strong coverage in metropolitan areas, it relies on mobile units to serve inland and island communities. Prairie and Atlantic provinces continue to experience slower system renewal and limited equipment availability.

Recent provincial investments and shifting clinical workloads are shaping ultrasound renewal across Canada. Mid-sized and regional hospitals are replacing older systems to manage rising women’s health and cardiac imaging volumes. Ontario, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia are driving much of the new demand for portable and high-resolution units. Smaller and northern communities continue to depend on mobile services and teleradiology, highlighting persistent gaps in permanent capacity. These factors indicate where modernization is advancing and where replacement needs remain the highest.