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 As India’s healthcare infrastructure rapidly evolves, Getinge, a global leader in medical technology, is at the forefront of transforming operating rooms (ORs) to make surgeries safer and more precise for patients. In a recent interview, Philippe Rocher, President South Asia Pacific at Getinge, and Aruna Nayak, managing director of Getinge India, shared their insights on the innovative advancements and strategic initiatives driving this transformation.
Getinge’s comprehensive approach to transforming ORs in India—through advanced technologies, strategic market positioning, robust training programmes, and adherence to stringent quality standards—positions the company as a pivotal player in enhancing surgical safety and precision.
Rocher emphasized the ongoing transformation of operating rooms, highlighting the integration of cutting-edge surgical techniques such as minimally invasive surgery, guided surgery, and robotic surgery.
“The transformation of ORs has already started to support the development of new surgical techniques that are safer for patients,” Rocher stated. He elaborated on Getinge’s commitment to integrating new equipment and providing comprehensive patient information seamlessly.
At Getinge’s new Mumbai Experience Center, the company is showcasing the IN2 modular room system, which offers unparalleled flexibility to adapt to future needs. “The Getinge IN2 modular elements are designed to form a large, easy-to-clean wall surface with only a few joints within the hospital workplace. This has a positive impact on preventing Hospital-Acquired Infections,” Rocher explained. This intelligent design not only facilitates easy upgrades, such as integrating larger screens overnight but also ensures a hygienic environment crucial for patient safety.
Rocher also highlighted the acceleration of digitalization in healthcare, with technologies like telecare, artificial intelligence (AI), and 3D printing playing pivotal roles. “These innovations enable more personalized patient care while reducing costs and increasing accessibility and quality of treatment,” he noted. Among Getinge’s latest technological introductions are the Maquet Corin operating table and the Maquet Ezea surgical light, both designed to enhance surgical precision and reliability.
One of Getinge’s standout innovations is Torin, an OR management software leveraging AI to optimize scheduling. “Torin helps in better planning surgeries by managing resources, accurately predicting the duration of interventions, and notifying all relevant stakeholders in real-time,” Rocher said. This AI-driven approach ensures efficient scheduling, minimizes wait times, and maximizes OR utilization, ultimately improving patient care and safety.
Aruna Nayak highlighted India’s significant position as one of Getinge’s leading markets, driven by substantial advancements in healthcare infrastructure and government initiatives like Ayushman Bharat. “The government’s focus on establishing AIIMS in every state is creating substantial opportunities,” Nayak stated. She emphasized Getinge’s mission to make advanced, life-saving technology more affordable and accessible, aligning perfectly with the government’s efforts to enhance healthcare accessibility.
Getinge has established a strong presence across India, working with over 10,000 hospitals and clinics in tier I and tier II cities. “We are among the leaders in many product categories in India,” Nayak remarked. The company’s Innovation Center in Bengaluru has recently developed Twin View, a software that allows clinicians to monitor patient parameters remotely, even outside the ICU, enhancing patient monitoring and training efficiency.
“We actively provide training to clinicians, nurses, and perfusionists to ensure they can use our equipment effectively,” Rocher affirmed. Getinge collaborates with leading institutions to deliver high-fidelity simulation training, equipping medical staff with the skills needed to handle sophisticated technologies safely and efficiently.
Addressing regulatory challenges, Rocher acknowledged the evolving landscape in India. “The Indian government has progressively put in place product registration requirements, gradually catching up with global benchmarks like the FDA in the USA,” he noted. These measures, while potentially creating import barriers, are essential for ensuring high-quality medical equipment and patient safety.
Aruna Nayak highlighted Getinge’s diverse geographical footprint across India, including remote areas like Assam and tier II cities such as Karad and Coimbatore. “We have installations across the length and breadth of the country, even in remote areas,” Nayak said. A notable achievement includes the installation of two high-end integrated modular operating rooms on INS Vikrant, showcasing Getinge’s engineering prowess and adaptability to unique environments.
Nayak emphasized the importance of flexibility and cost-effectiveness in Getinge’s solutions. “The flexibility to upgrade the system over time is crucial, as technology evolves,” she explained. The IN2 modular system’s antibacterial-coated wall panels enhance hygiene and prevent infections, while modular designs increase throughput by minimizing time between procedures. “Building the same wall takes 40% less time, so construction is faster,” Nayak added, highlighting the system’s efficiency and scalability.
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