Digital health technologies are changing the way healthcare is delivered

Dr Markus Weber, Member of the Executive Board, ZEISS Group and Head of the Medical Technology Segment in an interaction with Express Healthcare talks about the global trends in the healthcare space and explains his company’s plans for the Indian market

What are some of the evolving global trends in the medical and healthcare space and their relevance to India?

One of the most significant demographic shifts is the world’s growing and aging population leading to an increased demand for healthcare services, particularly in areas such as chronic disease management and long-term care. In addition, the rise of rapidly developing economies, results in increasing disposable income to spend on elective medical procedures. More people have access to affordable healthcare, there has been an increase in demand for elective procedures for example. These trends have presented opportunities for medical companies like us to expand the product and service offerings to meet the changing market needs.

Furthermore, we have seen digital technologies being increasingly integrated into healthcare systems, which is enabling more efficient and novel treatment concepts. Digital health technologies such as telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, and artificial intelligence are changing the way healthcare is delivered and improving patient outcomes.

In conclusion, the healthcare industry is going through an exciting phase with demographic and economic shifts, as well as rapid digitalisation. We are committed to investing in innovation and technology to keep pace with these changes and provide the best possible care to patients.

Could you give examples of some of ZEISS innovative technologies and application-oriented solutions in use in India and how they help doctors improve the quality of life of their patients? Can you name a few of the doctors using such innovations?

ZEISS Medical Technology has adopted a holistic approach to address customer requirements and provide crucial support in the digital transformation of the healthcare system. On the one hand, this includes the development of top-quality medical devices. On the other hand, it is about developing and establishing solutions that enable the secure and efficient management of health data, improve workflow automation, and enable the use of intelligent algorithms such as machine learning or artificial intelligence (AI). For example, by combining devices, data and applications and as part of the ZEISS Medical Ecosystem, the ZEISS Cataract Workfloq allows seamless integration and an efficient workflow, from the office to the OR. Recently published studies demonstrated significant time savings and economic benefits that practices and clinics can achieve with components of the ZEISS Cataract Workflow. Part of the ZEISS Cataract Workflow is the QUATERA 700, the latest ZEISS phaco-technology for the extraction of the natural lens of the eye, for which the Company was awarded FDA approval in April last year, an important step to increase market share in this segment of the ophthalmology market.

How are ZEISS Integrated Workflow Solutions helping the digital transformation of hospitals and healthcare delivery? Can you give examples naming a few hospitals which are using your technologies?

With respect to the digital transformation of the health care system, intelligent systems will be able to make a vital contribution to personalised treatments. Massive amounts of data are generated in medicine as a result of imaging procedures, among other things, which can be combined, analysed and used more effectively using AI. This opens up new possibilities for the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases. Recently, ZEISS Medical Technology was granted FDA approval for a Cloud product with AI for workflow solutions in the area of microsurgery. Specifically, it is an algorithm that uses the ZEISS CONVIVO In Vivo Pathology Suite to provide image data. The ZEISS CONVIVO is part of the ZEISS Tumor Workflow.

What is the contribution of the Indian market to ZEISS Group globally, in terms of percentage of global revenues/sales?

India is a long-term growth market for ZEISS Medical Technology in which we see large potential. The growing population, attractive demographics, and strong need for ophthalmic and microsurgical solutions make India an important market for ZEISS overall.

What’s the strategy to grow the Indian market, even though it is price sensitive market as health insurance coverage is still poor and most patients pay out of pocket?

To grow in the Indian market, ZEISS Medical Technology follows a three-pronged strategy: seizing local market opportunities, considering local policies, and leveraging local resources and competences.

How big is MED team in India and globally? What are the plans to expand the headcount of the Medical Technology team in India and globally?

Medical Technology team in India has around 450 colleagues including a significant presence in Advance Application Development under our Global Centre of Excellence – CARIn ( Centre for Advance Application Research). Globally ZEISS Medical Technology has 6000 employees across 50 sites.

We have been in India for 25 years and we are continuously investing in creating opportunities for local talent who want to pursue careers in the field of medical technology. We will continue to work on creating more employment as part of our mandate to support the growing healthcare segment in India.

Looking ahead, what are the futuristic projects in ZEISS’ Research and Development labs in the field of medical technology and healthcare?

With our ambition to break new ground, our perseverance and our curiosity, we have succeeded in developing innovative technologies, digital solutions and specific applications for the workflows of our customers which enable them for instance, to preserve vision into old age and fight brain tumors. The fact that our actions have a direct impact on the wellbeing of people is what drives us every day and motivates us in our work effort.