REIMAGINING MEDTECH TO FIGHT THE NEXT BATTLE

COVID19 has put the Medtech industry at centre stage with surge in demand for diagnostic tests, respiratory care products, ventilators, and other critical medical supplies. The medtech industry was quickly able to recalibrate across the value chain to serve healthcare’s critical needs during the crisis.

The medical device sector has risen to the occasion and has been prompt in responding to rising requirements albeit in an adhoc manner. There is a critical need to plan ahead in the face of the impending third wave, changing strain of the virus leading to new diagnostic and therapeutic requirements, profile of patient population vulnerable to the infection and the type of healthcare providers in rural and semiurban areas that need to prepare and equip their facilities to deal with the pandemic. Going forward, backstream integration of raw materials is required for augmenting the supply of medical devices for treatment of Covid19 on a sustainable basis and is needed to be assessed and addressed on priority.

The COVID 19 pandemic has presented us with unique opportunities. The Indian government’s proactive approach to invite participation of entrepreneurs, Indian and global medical devices companies in innovation and collaborations, has resulted in a host of new innovative solutions to help overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic.

The Covid19 pandemic situation was especially challenging for India which has a highly import dependence in the medical devices sector. Through its flagship “Make in India” initiative, the Government of India has taken a step in the right direction by relying on local Indian manufacturers to meet the increased demand of essential medical equipment and consumables. To further promote local manufacturing, the government introduced the PLI scheme. The PLI scheme for medical devices will help meet the objective of product diversification and innovation. Under this scheme, the Govt. has witnessed a very positive response from the industry and aims to achieve selfreliance in the medtech sector in coming years.

Boosting local manufacturing will help in expanding domestic production and national selfsufficiency. 'Atmanirbhar' drive will also make India a nerve centre of the global supply chain. Regarding preparation against the threat of the third wave, the government must draw a road map to ensure country is ready. the

Demand Forecasting & Creating a “national stockpile” of vital equipments and devices

Various models of pandemic forecasting must be explored to help develop a demand forecasting mechanism for essential medical devices. This can be done by projecting the supply side forecast for each of these identified products against the estimated demand forecasts. This will help to combat the third wave or any such pandemics in future. Govt. should consider building a stockpile of at least one fourth of the national demand and keep it at 4 centres regionwise. This could prevent the shortage of devices like ventilators, oxygen concentrators, pulse oximeters etc. as witnessed during the second wave. This arrangement will also help companies to plan and manage inventory to strengthen supply chains.

Training

There is a need to identify healthcare workers who may require training on the correct methods for the collection, transport and storage of the samples and conducting tests. Not just that, the government must prepare health assistants who can be given training in basic nursing, paramedics, lifesaving, firstaid and home care. Doctors would be able to work more “efficiently” with their help. Additionally, healthcare workers should be trained on application of already procured devices and equipment.

Ramp up for Pediatric Care Infrastructure

We need to focus on ramping up the ICU beds and facilities for children and enhance capacity and capabilities for pediatric treatment particularly in tier2 and three cities, rural and remote areas. Also, hospitals should prepare infrastructure keeping in mind that an attendant will have to be kept with their Covidpositive child.

Homecare : The next big thing

COVID19 has fundamentally changed the face of care provision. In the current phase of the pandemic, home care is also gaining traction. We have witnessed shifting trends from hospitals to homecare. This increase in home care has also created a newfound demand for homecare medical equipments & devices.

The postpandemic situation can be different for India to position itself stronger with the consistent approach, there is a need to continue its proactive efforts to create a more conducive environment for global and domestic manufacturing of medical devices. It will be important for India to restrategize a longterm roadmap for promoting the medical devices industry. Lastly, the roadmap should focus on innovation, research and development as a strong pillar of building India’s bestinclass manufacturing ecosystem. I am sure India can emerge a significant medical device manufacturer and become a factory for the world like the pharma industry.