Tracing the rise of medical technology in India: megatrends

February 26, 2022:

India’s healthcare and medical device industry has witnessed a significant evolution over the past decade. Technology has equipped us to revolutionize healthcare as we know it, improving patient outcomes and raising the bar for quality care. It has made new inventions possible, especially amid the myriad challenges that have arisen with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics and robotics, combined with the expansion of internet access, promises to usher in a new era in the medical technology industry in India. Although it is impossible to fully predict many exciting and innovative interventions, it can be expected that most of them will fall into four broad areas of importance.

Telehealth

There has been a steady growth in the demand for telehealth, especially in recent years. By facilitating remote contact, care and consultation for patients and clinicians, it has established itself as a revolutionary means of ensuring the delivery of quality care even in the midst of a raging pandemic. The range of telehealth services can be useful in the areas of stress management and behavioral health, extending to the broader spectrum of cardiology, diabetes and oncology. Medtronic offers remote monitoring platforms that partner with some of its heart and diabetes technologies. This allows implanted devices like pacemakers to communicate directly with the doctor or clinic using a small monitor, reducing the number of times a patient has to visit the clinic. Likewise, other devices like multi-parameter monitors help track all vital signs in critical patients, rendering trending data and using predictive AI to alert hospital staff to patient health parameters.

Especially in India, where patient-to-clinician ratios are very disparate, telehealth can help bridge the gap, if harnessed to its full potential. The Government of India’s eSanjeevani OPD app is a good example of its potential to help reduce overburdening in OPDs. Medtronic is also reaching out to hospitals by phoning daily for all therapies. Depending on demand, the respective hospitals are supported on a case-by-case basis.

Wearable technology

An important subfield of development that has played and will continue to play an important role in telehealth is wearable technology. From fitness smartwatches to other wearables with built-in health analytics, wearable technology promises to play a huge role in managing health risks. By helping to track vital signs, monitor progress and, in some cases, send relevant emergency alerts, these innovative devices promise to significantly improve and complement telehealth services. They can prevent strokes, manage symptoms, reduce hospitalizations and improve survival. In the future, we can expect greater sophistication of these devices.

AI and Big Data Analytics

Data, artificial intelligence and automation are the key to greater efficiency, greater value and reduced surgical variability. The prevalence of AI in all the technological innovations of our time also indicates its importance in the future. Within medical technology, AI has been instrumental in helping physicians make more accurate diagnosis, predict patient outcomes, and appropriately select treatment modes. In addition to improving patient care, it can also streamline, speed up and optimize clinical research operations and reduce costs. It will also play an important role in increasing wearable technology with data, enabling better remote patient monitoring.

Robot-assisted surgery

Robot-assisted surgery (RAS) is an advanced revolutionary way to perform minimally invasive surgeries with remarkable precision and it stands out from conventional open surgery, as it minimizes blood loss, significantly reduces postoperative recovery time,1 and brings precision in the execution of the procedure. In India, about 70% of surgeries are performed in the open. These patients could experience fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, faster return to normal activities, and smaller scars if they opt for a robot-assisted MIS procedure.1–3,‡,§ including those performed via RAS systems which offer clear additional benefits for surgeons.1–3,‡,§ Globally, around 3% of current surgeries are performed through RAS platforms in India.*

As can be seen, these major trends likely to shape medical technology in India are quite overlapping. Telehealth itself encompasses and relies on a strong network of digital tools and wearable technologies, as well as AI, to improve the patient experience. Robotics uses AI to improve results. Each of these areas of importance will likely continue to be symbiotic, decisively driving India’s evolution towards a sophisticated, technology-driven and patient-centric healthcare system.

‡Compared to open surgery.

§MIS may not be suitable for all patients; consult your doctor to determine if GIS is an option for you.

The references:

*Based on Medtronic Report, FY20 Market Model: Procedural Volume Data.

Fitch K, Engel T, Bochner A. Cost differences between open and minimally invasive surgery. Care protocol. 2015 Sep;24(9):40–48.

Tiwari MM, Reynoso JF, High R, Tsang AW, Oleynikov D. Safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of common laparoscopic procedures. Endosc surgery. 2011;25(4):1127–1135.

Roumm AR, Pizzi L, Goldfarb NI, Cohn H. Minimally invasive: poorly reimbursed? A review of six laparoscopic surgical procedures. Surg Innovation.2005;12(3):261–287.

Tracing the rise of medical technology in India: megatrends

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