India can surpass China in medtech innovation with right investments: Feng Dong, ETHealthworld

New Delhi: “Affordability and reimbursement are challenges not just in India but globally,” said Feng Dong, Vice President, Asia Region-Led Markets, EurAsia, Medtronic, underscoring the urgent need to expand access to advanced diabetes care.

In an exclusive interaction with ETHealthworld’s Prathiba Raju, Dong revealed that his daughter, a type 1 diabetes patient, relies on a insulin pump while pursuing her PhD , a testament, he said, to how technology can enable patients to live full, productive lives.

“We want every Indian patient to have that opportunity,” Feng added, noting that progress is already underway as several states introduce reimbursement schemes, steadily increasing access to insulin pump therapy.

Adding to this, he informed that although an estimated 900,000 individuals are living with type 1 diabetes in India, insulin pump therapy adoption remains at a nascent stage compared to global benchmarks.

While developed markets and parts of the APAC region have seen significantly higher penetration, India is steadily progressing through a combination of public-private partnerships and targeted state-level initiatives.

When asked about Medtronic’s insulin pumps priced between Rs. 2.5 to 5 lakhs, affordability being a major barrier, Dong said, “We are encouraged by the inclusion of insulin pump therapy in select state programs and central schemes such as CGHS, which signal growing recognition of its role in improving diabetes management.

Continued focus on awareness, affordability, and infrastructure will be essential to expanding access and driving better outcomes for insulin-dependent patients nationwide.”

On India’s fast-growing medtech market, projected to reach nearly US$50 billion by 2047, Dong said it is attracting strong investments and strategic focus from global players.

Medtronic, one of the world’s largest medical technology companies, is betting big on India through innovation, R&D, and partnerships aimed at improving patient access.

“We’ve seen significant revenue growth in India over the past few years, driven largely by innovation. The Indian market is very promising, and we are optimistic about its future,” Dong said.

He also emphasised that AI is now central to Medtronic’s global strategy. “Beyond devices, the company is integrating AI into manufacturing and patient care. We are transforming from a device-driven to a data-driven company,” he said.

Medtronic has already introduced AI solutions in stroke management, spine navigation, and surgical robotics, along with its Touch Surgery software, which guides surgeons in real time. “Our commitment is to make AI central to safe, effective, and connected healthcare delivery,” Feng noted.

On the expanding stent market amid growing competition, Dong said, “We remain a key player in the drug-eluting stent (DES) segment, competing with Indian players like Meril and SMT.”

While acknowledging local competition, Feng stressed, “We respect and welcome competition because it grows the market and benefits patients. But we never compromise on standards. My advice to local companies is to prioritise quality, because ultimately, patient outcomes matter most.”

Speaking about the surge seen in coronary artery disease (CAD) in India, Dong said, “CAD remains one of the most prevalent health challenges in India. Its rising incidence is largely driven by lifestyle changes—such as poor dietary habits, sedentary routines—and a genetic predisposition among Indians.

The high prevalence of diabetes and hypertension further compounds the issue, making CAD a critical public health concern. The government of India has taken commendable steps to ensure timely access to treatment without imposing financial burdens on patients.”

He added that traditionally, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), an open-heart surgical procedure, has been the standard treatment. However, technological advancements have significantly transformed the landscape of cardiac care.

Today, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative, offering faster recovery and reduced mortality.

The continuous evolution of stent technology, particularly drug-eluting stents (DES), has enhanced the reliability of PCI by minimising complications and preventing restenosis (re-clogging of arteries).

Despite the progress, the therapy remains underpenetrated. While approximately 700,000 patients are treated with PCI annually, many more remain untreated due to low awareness and lack of referrals.

Affordability is a barrier for only a small fraction of patients, thanks to initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, state-led health schemes, and CGHS, which have made PCI a truly accessible therapy.

“At Medtronic, we are deeply committed to advancing PCI technology in India. Our focus is on delivering world-class outcomes through continuous innovation, ensuring that the latest and highest-quality technologies are available to Indian patients.

We align with the government of India’s vision of affordable healthcare for all — not just by making treatment accessible, but by actively investing in patient awareness, empowering physicians through continuous training, and bringing the latest technological advancements to the forefront of care.”

He added that Medtronic is also investing in advanced therapies, including renal denervation for hypertension and diagnostics for PCI, even as it pushes stent penetration into lower-tier hospitals.

“We have already invested over half a billion dollars in our Medtronic Engineering and Innovation Center (MESC) in India, our largest R&D facility outside the US. Focused on software development, the center also builds training, education, and clinical study capabilities.

India is not just an innovation hub for the country but also for the global market,” Feng said. “With the right government investment, India can even surpass China in innovation and adoption,” he added.

Asked about any upcoming pilot projects or discussions with state governments that the company is pursuing to improve penetration in government hospitals through PPPs, Dong, said,“Stroke impacts an estimated 1.8 million people annually in India, yet public awareness remains significantly low. To address this gap, we have partnered with the Government of Punjab and CMC Hospital, Ludhiana, through a public-private partnership to establish an AI-enabled ‘hub and spoke’ model for stroke care in the state.

This initiative marks an important step toward building scalable, technology-driven stroke care infrastructure. Medtronic is committed to expanding this model to other states and, in collaboration with the Indian Stroke Association and IMPF, will be engaging with the Government of India to present a comprehensive stroke action plan.”

On global trade tariffs on medical devices creating uncertainties, Feng noted that Medtronic is actively engaging with governments to ensure policies do not hinder patient access.

For now, he added, the company’s priority is “Made in India for India,” with the possibility of expanding into global exports over time.

“As India’s medtech industry heads toward exponential growth, we are positioning ourselves as a long-term partner in innovation and access. This growth is very encouraging because it means more Indian patients will access innovative therapies. For Medtronic, India is a strategic market where we are deeply committed,” Feng concluded.

• Published On Sep 19, 2025 at 03:20 PM IST

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