With Australia's population ageing fast, I believe there are few sectors with as strong long-term growth prospects as the healthcare sector.
I think this arguably makes it one of the best areas of the Australian share market to make a buy and hold investment.
With that in mind, here are three healthcare shares I would suggest investors consider today:
Although the Japara Healthcare Ltd (ASX: JHC) share price has risen 13% in the last three months, I think its shares are still great value for a buy and hold investment. The aged care provider is positioning itself perfectly to capture the expected demand for aged care services with plans to add over 2,500 new places by 2025/26. At the last count Japara possessed approximately 3,800 operational places.
The Nanosonics Ltd. (ASX: NAN) share price has tumbled around 15% in the last month as investors take profit after a meteoric rise. I think this could make it an opportune time to snap up shares in the infection control specialist. Especially as its trophon EPR ultrasound probe disinfection system continues to grow in popularity around the world. Strong demand for the product recently helped Nanosonics report an incredible 131% jump in half-year sales to $36.1 million.
With the Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX: RHC) share price flat year-to-date, I think now could be a great time to buy shares in the private hospital operator. As well as being exposed to Australia's ageing population, Ramsay's global network of hospitals provides investors with exposure to the tailwinds of ageing populations across the world. Although its shares are reasonably expensive at 26x annualised earnings, I think it is well worth paying the premium.
