How does the Indian healthcare market respond to the latest technology compared to international markets and how does technology play a vital role in healthcare today? BW CIO in conversation with GSK Velu, Founder-Chariman, Trivitron to get insights on the same.

Technology has emerged to a major driving force behind the drastic improvement in the world of healthcare today. Over the years, innovative medical developments have altered the face of the healthcare industry.

In fact there has been immense progress in the medical device sector with the help of major technological advancements and higher efficiency systems. Leading-edge technologies are being used in the operation theatres across the world and modular operation theatres have been one of the major discussion points.

The dependence on medical technology today, by healthcare practitioners in the midst of progress of these radiant innovations continue to find ways to improve their respective areas of practice - be it diagnosis, surgical procedures or care of the patient.

How does the Indian healthcare market respond to the latest technology compared to international markets and how does technology play a vital role in healthcare today?  BW CIO speaks to Dr GSK Velu, Founder-Chariman, Trivitron to understand the same. 

“The new technological phase” 
With the emergence of Digital OT Technology, Trivitron collaborates with Software and 3D technology providers to provide the latest OR integration & Distribution   options suiting variety of needs. The new design studio and OT manufacturing setup is under construction and is planning to be inaugurated next quarter in the  Medical Technology Park in Chennai.

Latest technological advancements in operating theatres include imaging techniques, touch screen ability in monitors used for endoscopies and imaging, instant image access, high definition images and video capture for replay of entire surgical procedure. Surgical Robots have necessitated quantum jump in adoption or induction of newer technology and medical surgical practices in Operating Room which is driving the demand for an integrated approach in the operation theatres and management of data flow which streamlines data inside & Outside OR Room.

Developing a paperless and hassle-free environment for the operating rooms improve cost effectiveness and patient outcomes. Various instruments include pendants, surgical tables, surgical lights, surgical instruments, cladding, endoscopes, warming cabinets, etc.

Could you share with us how the Indian healthcare market responds to the latest technology compared to international markets?

The hospitals in India are improving the Information Technology ecosystem as a breeding market to fuel the medical device manufacturing companies.  Increase in the amount of diseases also opens the stream to study, analyze and sow the seeds for invention of a new set of medical devices. 

As of now, 70% of the requirements for the medical devices are actually dependent on the imports and about 30% of the Indian medical devices manufactured are exported with low priced disposables and consumables holding a large chunk in it. A large fragment of the Indian market is still conquered by the exports.

The diagnostics equipment also holds a prime share in the import. Implants segment and patient aids (pacemakers and hearing aids) have a substantial but a very small market. The intrinsic growth of the Indian market has also led to an environment to cultivate medical devices. The safety, reliability and the performance of the devices are of utmost importance. A lot of brainstorming is underscored to make the regulation rules stern, and on par with the western protocols.

A certified body is set up to carry out quality checks, manufacturing qualities, scientific trials and then, validation of the devices. If the health insurances have good penetration, it will eventually lead to a demand of better healthcare amenities. The Indian medical devices industry with an accelerated progress and space for innovation are vying to capture and make a stronger impact on the global market.

Impact of Make in India in Medical device manufacturing industry 
The Indian medical device sector is worth approximately USD 5.5 Billion and is growing at 15% CAGR,  relatively small Indian Medical device industry is soon burgeoning in the world market as it is one of the top 20 industries and secures a place for itself in the top 4 in the Asian market. The domestic market also comes with its fair share of challenges.

The 'Make in India' movement serves as a catalyst along with the bio medical engineering talent to vastly improve the innovation space to stimulate and provide opportunities to the domestic manufacturers. The Indian based medical device manufacturing companies are also tying up with the overseas manufacturers to expand and involve in terms of technology and market.

The growth of medical industry is directly proportional to- the economic growth that leads to a quality healthcare, more investment in healthcare, a hike in funding in the healthcare sector by the private bodies, large and evolved wavelength of the health insurance policies, discovery and emergence of new technology.