As India rapidly embraces minimally invasive care and digital healthcare transformation, FUJIFILM’s cutting-edge endoscopy innovations are aligning with this momentum. In an exclusive interview, Dheeraj Chaudhri, Head of the Endoscopy Systems Division, FUJIFILM India, with Dr. Asawari Savant, of Elets News Network (ENN), shares key insights into how FUJIFILM India is advancing smart, AI-powered therapeutic endoscopy to meet the region’s evolving clinical demands. Edited excerpts

What strategic role does India play in FUJIFILM’s global endoscopy and therapeutic portfolio—serving as a hub for product testing, R&D localisation, or regional exports to South Asia and MEA?

India plays a pivotal role as both a growth driver and an innovation partner for FUJIFILM’s global endoscopy business. We are increasingly involved in regional clinical trials and research initiatives to support regional research and training centres. Additionally, India is being explored as a strategic base for South Asia and the MEA region, particularly for training and education purposes.

How do you see therapeutic endoscopy evolving in India over the next decade, and which subspecialties—such as hepatobiliary, bariatric, or colorectal—will drive its growing demand?
 
Over the next decade, therapeutic endoscopy in India will witness exponential growth, driven by the idemand for minimally invasive, day-care procedures. Subspecialties such as hepatobiliary, bariatric, and colorectal interventions are expected to see the highest uptake, supported by evolving technologies and patient awareness. The current lifestyle disease and upsurge in the gastrointestinal disease burden of the country, this specialty will certainly be the fastest growing subspeciality. 

How is FUJIFILM India preparing for the future of smart endoscopy—where predictive analytics, robotics, and AI converge for real-time decision-making—and what are its core strategies to stay ahead in India’s fast-evolving healthcare technology market?

Fujifilm is at the forefront of developing smart endoscopy platforms by integrating predictive analytics and real-time AI guidance to support decision-making and improve therapeutic precision in complex procedures.  

How does the ELUXEO 8000 address common clinical challenges in gastrointestinal diagnostics, such as detecting subtle lesions or reducing procedural time in high-volume settings?

Through ACI, BLI, LCI, and Multi LED-spectrum lighting, ELUXEO 8000 not only supports the detection of bleeding sources but can also be beneficial during minimally invasive third-space endoscopy treatment. AI support tools also assist in quicker lesion detection, supporting the clinicians in enhancing efficiency in high-volume centres.    

What sets the FUJIFILM ELUXEO 8000 Therapeutic Endoscopy Solution apart from other systems in the Indian market, especially regarding AI integration, imaging capabilities, and endoscope design for procedures like ESD, EMR, and POEM?

The ELUXEO 8000  with new series endoscopes features improved down angulation to access difficult areas of the stomach & duodenum, a slimmer distal end for easier manoeuvrability, but a bigger working channel than the conventional scopes to support a wide range of accessory exchange at ease during complex therapeutic procedures, and higher resolution imaging sensors. The newly launched feature called ACI helps to differentiate the submucosa & muscle layers to understand the exact areas to intervene. Also, it enhances vascular structures to avoid any unnecessary bleeding during the procedure due to enhanced visibility. These innovations support delicate and complex therapeutic interventions like ESD, EMR, POEM & other therapeutic procedures with enhanced control, comfort, and visual assurance, critical during intricate dissections or resections.    

What challenges has FUJIFILM India faced in driving adoption of high-end endoscopy systems like the ELUXEO 8000 in non-metro areas, and how is the company scaling access in tier 2 and 3 cities?

Major challenges include training gaps, service support and infrastructure limitations. We are addressing these by establishing regional service hubs, conducting regular hands-on workshops, and partnering with local healthcare providers to ensure technology adoption and skill transfer.    

Is FUJIFILM India planning to integrate the ELUXEO 8000 with hospital information systems (HIS), electronic medical records (EMRs), or tele-endoscopy platforms to support connected, data-driven care? Are there any ongoing collaborations with Indian institutions or startups for co-innovation or clinical trials?

Absolutely. Fujifilm is actively working towards integrating all the technological solutions in Endoscopy with HIS, EMRs, and tele-endoscopy solutions to promote connected, data-driven care models, improving patient management and diagnostic continuity across institutions.   This will certainly ensure the seamless workflow. 

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How important is customer feedback in shaping future upgrades of the ELUXEO platform, and is there a structured feedback loop integrated into your development cycle? 
 
Customer feedback is central to FUJIFILM’s innovation process. We have structured feedback mechanisms including clinical evaluations, user group meetings, and post-market surveillance programs to ensure customer inputs directly influence product upgrades and future development.

Is FUJIFILM considering setting up more regional training centres or simulation labs to empower gastroenterologists and surgeons in India with hands-on exposure to next-generation endoscopic technologies?
 
Yes. FUJIFILM is committed to strengthening clinical expertise through establishing regional training centres and simulation labs across India. These centres will offer real-world exposure to next-gen endoscopic technologies, ensuring gastroenterologists and surgeons are well-prepared to perform advanced therapeutic interventions.  We have partnered with many Global experts and are closely collaborating with them to support local and regional hospitals.

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