ASX 200 healthcare shares performed well in 2024, with the S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ) rising 6.01% and delivering a 12-month total return, including dividends, of 7.51%.

However, the healthcare sector did underperform the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which rose by 7.49% (or 11.44% including dividends).

Here are the best-performing stocks of 2024 in the healthcare sector.

1. Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

ASX healthcare share Sigma ripped 162% higher to close at $2.62 on 31 December.

Sigma Healthcare's share price rocketed after the company announced plans to merge with the privately owned Chemist Warehouse pharmaceutical chain. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has green-lighted the deal but it's not finalised yet. Sigma Healthcare already owns a network of chemists, including Amcal, Discount Drug Stores, and Guardian Pharmacy.

2. Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME)

The Pro Medicus share price rose by 161% to finish the year at $250.12 per share.

The medical imaging technology company reported strong profit growth last year and won various large new contracts with hospitals and other healthcare providers keen to use its industry-leading Visage platform. One of those new contracts was a 10-year $330 million deal with Trinity Health.

3. Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

The Telix Pharmaceuticals share price lifted 144.1% to close at $24.61 on 31 December.

The radiopharmaceutical company reported strong revenue growth for its Illuccix prostate cancer imaging product. Telix also expanded its US manufacturing footprint through the acquisition of RLS, America's only joint commission-accredited network, with 31 radio pharmacies serving more than 85% of the population.

In October, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted Telix's application for Pixclara, a PET agent for the imaging of brain cancer. Telix hopes to receive approval and launch the product in the US this year.

4. Clarity Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CU6)

This ASX 200 healthcare share rocketed 120.6% to close at $4.17 on 31 December.

Clarity Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage radiopharmaceutical company whose products are designed to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients.

Last year, the SECuRE therapy trial results for its prostate cancer treatment, 67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA, created much excitement, and Clarity expects to release final data this year. The first patient treated with two doses of 67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA achieved a complete response, with no detectable cancer after treatment.

5. Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd (ASX: FPH) 

The Fisher & Paykel share price ascended 60.1% to close at $34.95 per share on 31 December.

The company put in a strong financial performance last year. For the six months ended 30 September, Fisher & Paykel reported an 18% increase in operating revenue to a record of NZ$951.2 million. The healthcare provider reported strong top-line growth for both its hospital and homecare segments.