From Editor's Desk

The application of plastics in healthcare includes several distinct markets. While the industry is already familiar with plastic used on a large scale as medical devices like disposable syringes, catheters, blood bags , optical and dental products, heart valves, contact lenses and many more medical products , there are many new and niche areas where plastics play very important role. One such application is for diabetes control.

Health care professionals now encourage patients to closely monitor their glucose levels and intensify insulin therapy to achieve tight glycemic control. This approach attempts to mimic physiologic insulin secretion and keep blood glucose concentrations and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels as close to normal as possible. There are different types of insulin-delivery systems currently used including the new devices with traditional vial and syringe delivery in terms of efficacy, safety, and quality of life.

Mr. D.L. Pandya

Editor

The new devices include subcutaneous infusion sets, also called insulin infusers, providing an alternative to injections. A catheter (a flexible hollow tube) is inserted into the tissue just beneath the skin and remains in place for several days. Insulin is then injected into the infuser instead of through the skin.

A brief introduction to the overall market and few devices is covered in this issue.
In an exclusive interview to “Medical Plastics Data Service”, Mr C Balagopal, Managing Director, Terumo Penpol Limited , the leading “Blood Bags Systems and Equipments” manufacturer in India , shares his experience and ideas regarding Indian Medical Device Industry particularly the need for effective regulatory regime, emerging market trends and global scenario and also the absence of product innovation by Indian Industry. He also shares the challenges faced by him and his Company as the first Blood Bag manufacturing Company in India.

Mr. Barun Bharadwaj of Henkel Adhesives Technologies India Pvt. Ltd. elaborates important issues related to “Bonding Medical Plastics” alongwith other regular features like Global Trends, Industry news, Events etc.

D.L. Pandya