‘This technology will play a pivotal role in terms of giving new dimensions to the healthcare sector’

How does Panasonic Toughbook serve the healthcare space?

Gunjan Sachdev

The Toughbook is a highly reliable computing device that functions in the harshest of conditions, with almost negligible failure rates which help mission critical applications like HIS, ERP etc. to work on a device seamlessly. Catering to the healthcare industry, Panasonic is offering its mobile clinical assistant CF-H2, a specially designed tablet for this vertical. The Toughbook CF-H2 is a unique tool in its ability to transform the way mobile professionals work – wherever and whenever they might be. It is powered with a Windows 7 Professional and latest Intel Processor. The weight of the device is only 1.58 kg which makes it easy to be carried even in the most unadaptable conditions.

How will it help improve healthcare outcomes in the Indian scenario? Any specific areas where the technology can be implemented for optimal benefit?

Toughbook devices come with a high degree of ruggedness which can withstand heat, water, dust, fall, vibration etc. The dual hot swappable batteries provide an uninterrupted service up to seven hours andthe integrated bar-code reader options make it a useful tool for nurses and doctors working in hospitals while maintaining the patient’s record. These features provide a unique opportunity for doctors; nurses and other caregivers to work, thus, improving both nurse and patient outcomes.

How user-friendly is the product?

Panasonic Toughbooks are easy to be carried and the excellent part about this device is that it can be sanitised completely. With its fan-less design and sealed ports, the CF-H2 is easy to disinfect. Moreover these devices can be used by medical practitioners in rural villages and can withstand all harsh conditions.

How do you plan to promote it in the Indian market? Who all have adopted the technology in the Indian healthcare sector?

Our first action plan is to expand our network with all leading hospitals and inform them about the utility and benefits of mobile solutions, educating them about Panasonic’s mobile clinical assistant devices which can bring a difference in their daily operations. We will also be investing in conducting a ‘proof of concept’ by putting the customer applications into our devices and demonstrating the same in their live environment. Leading hospital chains are already moving towards modernisation by adopting applications like HIS and have begun implementing these solutions in order to enhance their service quality standard and customer satisfaction.

Are there any competitors to Panasonic Toughbook? If yes, who are they? How does Panasonic Toughbook differentiate itself from its counterparts?

With 16 years of experience in R&D, designing and manufacturing of rugged devices at the Japan plant, Panasonic India has maintained a consistent lead in the rugged space over the years. In India, currently some of hospitals are using Computer on Wheels (COW) which is bulky and cumbersome. Our devices basically target the healthcare industry and have various advantages like sleekness, easy to carry, can be sanitised, have a high battery throughput along with a hot-swappable option etc. Also, these devices have an optional SIM slot due to which they can be used in ambulances, remote sites and in any environment where other devices fail to work.

How much would it cost the users to implement this solution?

Average life of the Toughbook product is five years. With our superior technology, we ensure that the total cost of ownership is much lesser in the long run when compared to the contemporary technology deployed.

How will this technology evolve in future?

This technology will play a pivotal role in terms of giving new dimensions to the healthcare sector in the coming years. It will help improve processes, enhance accuracy and speed up accessibility to patients’ records and fast treatments. We also believe that anything that has to do with patients can be accessed by doctors with relative ease, improved technology and enhanced mobility. Critical information will even be accessible while doctors are on the go, this will remarkably save the lead time for treatment.

What are Panasonic’s other plans for the Indian healthcare market?

There is a continuous need to address problems of errors in healthcare and serious safety issues, fundamental changes of healthcare processes are necessary and need to be aligned. We understand the need of fast technology in the healthcare segment and will continue introducing such products for the Indian market.

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