3M Healthcare, the global medical consumables major has slated an expansion plan as part of its "In India, For India" strategy. The company will invest around Rs 100 crore over the next two years to set a new R&D centre in Bangalore and will upgrade its existing unit besides establishing a warehousing among other initiatives at its Ranjangaon production plant near Pune.

The Indian healthcare story is just about unfolding and the sector is bound to grow. Propelled by the drivers of healthcare insurance, privatization, and government spending, the sector will be the next big growth area. Not only will reach and penetration of healthcare increase, but so will the need for quality and efficiency in the delivery system. Therefore, we are bullish on the India opportunity and we have already launched a number of new products to retain the leadership position here, Gautam Khanna, vice president, 3M Healthcare India told Pharmabiz.

Going forward, we intend to have a broader footprint in the Indian market by increasing our coverage with a wider range of solutions for this market, he added.

The area of infection control and wound care is among the fastest growing opportunities and accounting for maximum earnings for 3M Healthcare India which clocked a turnover of Rs 164 crore in 2009-2010.

Since the company focuses on intensive educational programs and technical services to provide practical support to healthcare professionals, we are coming up with a Customer Technical Centre in Delhi to conduct training on infection prevention and control, stated Khanna.

Globally, 3M is a US$ 23 billion company with sales in over 200 countries and 3M Healthcare with US$ 4.3 billion business size offers innovative products in oral care, Health Information Systems, drug delivery devices and Food Safety.

In India, infection prevention and wound care are two key businesses for the company. Infection prevention offers products cover procedure disposable drapes packs, RMEC 70505 a multi enzyme Detergent, HandRub among a host of advanced products like Tegaderm transparent dressings for IV site and wound care; Steri-strip wound closure system; Ioban 2 Antimicrobial Surgical Drape; Surgical Clippers, personal protective equipment like 2 & 3 Ply Face Masks, caps, Eye shields to protect against spills and splashes; special eye-wear which can fit over prescription lenses for eye protection of staff, N-95 certified masks to protect against viruses and bacterial infections; Avagard and 3M Handrub, Rapid Multi Enzyme Cleaner (RMEC) used for surgical, medical and dental instruments and endoscopes. In addition, it also has products to serve the diabetic and incontinence care. In India 3M has attained leadership in all the major categories.

According to Khanna, 3M is a global technology company with 45 platforms. Whenever it enters a country, among the first efforts is to open a technical service center (TSC) which is now in Bangalore. After which to move up the value chain the focus is on product development and manufacture for the India specific range. The unit in Ranjangaon near Pune manufactures patient drapes, cleaning agents, surgical tapes and hand hygiene products.