The manufacturers should focus on more cost effective scanners with advanced software, says Dr Ajay Aggarwal, Director, Radio-Diagnosis, Saket City Hospital, New Delhi
How do you perceive the Indian CT Scanners market? What are the drivers that are influencing this segment in India?
The healthcare market in India has been growing at a phenomenal pace in the last decade with growth in the healthcare infrastructure in metro cities as well as tier II and tier III cities. Computed tomography (CT Scanners) has evolved as an important primary imaging tool for diagnosis. The modality is operator independent and the digital output allows remote reporting and accessibility to the referral physician. CT is especially relevant in emergency care and trauma. Newer applications such as coronary CT and hybrid technology such as PETCT and SPECTCT have fuelled its growth exponentially.
Dr Ajay Aggarwal, Director, Radio-Diagnosis, Saket City Hospital, New Delhi
What do you think Make in India can do for the healthcare industry?
The Make in India initiative will allow cost effective delivery of healthcare. The current equipment is predominantly imported. With rising foreign exchange rates and import duties the acquisition cost makes the financial feasibility a challenge. The other challenge is in sourcing the spare parts of critical equipment, which results in unnecessary delays and downtime. This can be improved by sourcing the spares from within the country.
CT angiography is one of the greatest advances in imaging. The newest CT scans allow a completely non-invasive way to get the same information as an invasive catheter an geography. Please comment
CT angiography has proven as an important diagnostic tool for screening as in case of the coronary vessels and also in other clinical settings for assessing vessels. However radiation and usage of contrast media still make this test minimally invasive. CT angiography performed on new scanners has made it more patient friendly with faster scanning times and reduction of effective radiation dose. Catheter angiography on the other hand is invasive as it entails an arterial puncture. However the ability to therapeutically treat the patient in the same sitting makes catheter angiography a preferred choice in certain clinical settings.
What are the emerging trends and new technologies in CT Scanners market
Hybrid technologies such as PETCT and SPECTCT have changed the way we look at disease. Not only are we able to comment on anatomical changes but also comment on physiological effect. Newer tracers will allow us to improve clinical outcomes. Dual source CT is another innovation, which shows promise in various clinical settings.
What are the changes in the use of CT imaging?
CT scanners are used in diagnostic as well as interventional procedures. With hybrid technology such as PETCT and SPECTCT the radiologist is able to improve diagnostic capability. Mobile CT scanners allow scanning close to the bedside of patients.
What are your expectations from manufacturers?
The manufacturers should focus on more cost effective scanners with advanced software. New protocols will allow substantial reduction in the radiation to the patient.
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