In Vitro Diagnostics, A Key Contributor to Medical Devices Sector

Diagnostic services in the rural geographies need to enormous focus to achieve the objective of healthy India. The existing imported technologies for these markets are expensive and hence makes healthcare unaffordable.

The Internet of Things (IoT) has created a huge world of possibilities in medicine: when connected to the internet, ordinary medical devices can collect invaluable additional data, give extra insight into symptoms and trends, enable remote care, and generally give patients more control over their lives and treatment.

An important solution to address access of healthcare is through digital technology linked to Point of Care Devices. Thus, Point of Care Technology is one of the fastest growing segments in the laboratory testing.

IoT opened doors for remote medical care which facilitates the care delivery outside the traditional setup linking Point of Care Devices. IoT-enabled medical devices are changing remote care and how it works along with its components. In a country like India where 70% population is rural area and 70% of infrastructure is in the urban area, IoT enabled medical devices have a huge role to play in terms of accessibility of healthcare.

Innovation in diagnosis and medical treatment ranging from digital pathology, robotic surgeries to genome sequencing. This would be the most powerful force shaping the healthcare market. Thus, no other sector saves lives, creates jobs, and makes the country part of a global manufacturing ecosystem as the healthcare sector, in general and medical devices sector, more specifically.

In summary, Indian Healthcare sector will experience a major shift in many aspects and moving towards digital solutions, preventive care, enhanced awareness, utilization of advanced technologies such as robotic surgery, digital pathology, and molecular diagnostics, shift from doctor centric to patient centric care in an environment where there is an enhanced awareness about health. It is important to note that accessible, accurate and affordable care will reach to a larger segment of the Indian population. The key stakeholders including government, healthcare providers and the industry must play a crucial role.

 

Dr. P. Siva Kumar is an Independent Medical Technology Professional. With over 35 years in the Healthcare Industry, the primary objective is to bring the latest technologies in Med Tech Devices to India or facilitate the Inventors to take the technology to Healthcare Service Providers. His interests include Building Strategic Relationships and Collaborations between the Innovators, Healthcare Service Providers and Organizations that deliver the solutions to Hospitals and Laboratories across the country. One of the important areas of focus will be facilitation in commercialization of innovations. Siva Kumar is widely known in the Healthcare, Clinical Diagnostics and Analytical Instrumentation circles and his main thrust has been to establish customer focused service support system and provide right solutions to the customers. He is passionate about working with Industry, Academic Institutions and Government and work towards bridging the gap between Academia and Industry. Dr. Siva Kumar held leadership positions at Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited, Dade Behring, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Agilent Technologies & Trivitron Healthcare. Siva Kumar holds a doctorate degree in Biochemistry from Osmania University, Hyderabad.