Freudenberg Technology forays into medical services in India by manufacturing wide range of products from precision moldings, tubes for implants and catheters from the Helix Medical Business Group via nonwovens for stoma bags and lung sensor belts to filter systems that ensure sterile clean room air quality in operating theatres.
The company has a wide range of products from precision moldings and tubes for implants and catheters from the Helix Medical Business Group via nonwovens for stoma bags and lung sensor belts to filter systems that ensure sterile clean room air quality in operating theatres.
Medical technology has played a special role within the Freudenberg Group since 1957. Innovations such as biodegradable wound dressings, systems for the real-time monitoring of lung function and micro-implants make life easier for patients and physicians throughout the world.
Analysts from Frost and Sullivan expect the Indian medical technology market to grow dramatically from the current figure of about US$4.1 billion to around US$9.5 billion by 2017. Key factors in this development are the size of the population, catch-up effects, growing incomes, increased incidence of lifestyle diseases and a growing number of old people. By 2025, more than 200 million people in India will be over 60. In addition, there has been a rise in medical tourism – both Indians living abroad and patients from industrialized nations who cannot afford treatment in their home country are coming to India for treatment.
The Indian health system especially needs diagnostic and monitoring equipment such as ultrasound and x-ray units, implants, catheters and consumables. According to estimates of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, about 80% of the equipment and material required is imported. Freudenberg’s Helix Medical Business Group supplies silicone precision tubes to India. For example, these are required for cataract operations. Microscopically small moldings are needed both for inserting the artificial lens and for flushing and removing secretions. In order to meet the highest possible hygiene standards, Helix products are manufactured in clean rooms and sterilized in accordance with customer requirements.
The company is also engaged in the manufacture of clean room filters . At its plant in Pune, the company produces multi-stage air filter systems which provide protection not only against dust particles but also against bacteria and viruses. These filter systems are installed in the hospitals prevent wound infections in operating theaters and in keeping instruments germ-free. Highly-efficient filters are also used in isolation rooms to reduce the risk of infection, said the company.