It is incredible to see the healthcare industry’s evolution over the last few decades. As was evident during the global fight against the coronavirus–one of healthcare’s subsets–reliable medical technology plays a vital role in improving patient outcomes and advancing medical care. Nihon Kohden India Pvt Limited, a subsidiary of the globally renowned Nihon Kohden Corporation, stands out as a leading provider of innovative medical devices in the Indian market for the past, present, and beyond.
Founded in 1951 with a vision of “Fighting Disease with Electronics,” Nihon Kohden Corporation, Japan has a rich history of pioneering advancements and innovations in medical technology. According to Anil Srivastava, the Chief Operating Officer, their dedication to research and development has resulted in a comprehensive portfolio of solutions spanning various medical disciplines.
The Noble Pursuit of Healthcare Excellence
When asked if he could take us back to the beginning of their saga as a pioneer in the medical devices industry, Anil says, “I’d love to dive into that journey!” Imagine stepping into the world of medical devices, where innovation intertwines with the noble pursuit of improving healthcare outcomes. “For me, it all started with a blend of fascination and empathy.”
The invention of pulse oximetry by Dr. Takuo Aoyagi, an engineer at Nihon Kohden, marked a significant milestone in medical technology. In 1972, Dr. Aoyagi discovered a non-invasive method to measure the oxygen saturation in arterial blood, which led to the development of the first pulse oximeter. This device, which attaches to a patient’s fingertip, uses light absorption principles to monitor oxygen levels without the need for blood sampling. The introduction of the OLV-5100 ear oximeter by Nihon Kohden in 1975 utilized this groundbreaking technology, offering a new way for healthcare professionals to continuously monitor patients’ vital signs with greater ease and accuracy. Today, pulse oximetry is an essential tool in various medical settings, from operating rooms to home care, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic for monitoring patients’ respiratory status. Dr. Aoyagi’s invention has undoubtedly saved countless lives and continues to be a cornerstone in patient monitoring systems worldwide.
The invention of pulse oximetry played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic, serving as a frontline tool in monitoring and managing patients. This non-invasive device became essential in detecting early signs of respiratory distress, a common complication of COVID-19. The pulse oximeter’s ability to detect ‘silent hypoxia’—a condition where patients do not exhibit obvious symptoms of oxygen deprivation—proved to be a game-changer, particularly in settings with limited resources. The device’s significance was further underscored in low-resource settings, where it became a critical triage tool, helping to prioritize care for those in urgent need of oxygen therapy. Overall, pulse oximetry’s contribution to COVID-19 management was invaluable, highlighting the importance of such innovations in global health crises.
It’s not just about creating a product; it’s about partnering with healthcare professionals, researchers, engineers, and patients to develop solutions that truly make a difference. That collaborative spirit appealed to Anil’s desire to work at the intersection of technology and human well-being. “We call it ‘Human Machin Interface.”
Today, Nihon Kohden has emerged as one of India’s most trusted Medical Devices companies. Sharing their guiding philosophy, Anil says that at the heart of their organization’s success lies a guiding philosophy built on “Fighting Disease with Electronics,” given by the founder Dr Yoshio Ogino in 1951. From development to production, and from sales to after-sales services, they are building a globally oriented business structure, with the aim of becoming a global leader of medical solutions.
“By staying true to these core values, we’ve been able to earn the trust and confidence of healthcare professionals, patients, and partners across India,” he adds. “Our commitment to innovation, integrity, and inclusivity continues to propel us forward as we work to shape the future of healthcare in India and beyond.”
The Legend Evolves
The Medical Devices landscape is continually evolving. In such a scenario, Anil says their firm’s USPs revolve around a relentless commitment to innovation, patient-centricity, quality, collaboration, and education. “By staying true to these principles, we’ve earned a reputation as one of the best innovators in the medical devices industry, poised to shape the future of healthcare for years to come.”
- Cutting-edge Innovation,
- Focus on Patient-Centric Solutions,
- Quality and Reliability,
- Collaborative Partnerships,
- Commitment to Education and Training.
When told his leadership style is often recognized as a driving force behind Nihon Kohden’s achievements, Anil says in gratitude, “Thank you for the kind words. Leadership and team building are indeed foundational elements of our company’s success. Here’s an overview of my approach” –
- Vision and Inspiration,
- Empowerment and Trust,
- Communication and Transparency,
- Collaboration and Diversity,
- Continuous Learning and Development.
Anil’s leadership and team-building approach is centred around vision, empowerment, communication, collaboration, and continuous learning. By cultivating a culture of trust, transparency, and innovation, he enables his team to achieve extraordinary results and drive the success of their organization.
The Proficiency Equilibrium
The essence of medical devices lies in innovation, disruptions, accuracy, and enhancing detection, diagnosis, and treatments. Anil says they balance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction by focusing on streamlined processes, maintaining rigorous quality standards, adopting a customer-centric approach, fostering a culture of continuous innovation, and providing responsive customer support. “By prioritizing both efficiency and satisfaction, we’re able to deliver value to our customers while driving the success of our organization.”
Fostering a Technological Disruption
Further, Anil says digitalization and technological advancements are at the forefront of the modern medical devices ecosystem. Nihon Kohden is fully committed to embracing these principles to shape a technovative healthcare future.
Anil says they’re deeply committed to integrating digitalization and technological advancements into their core functioning to contribute to a technovative healthcare future. By developing smart devices, harnessing Human Machine interface, embracing advanced data capabilities, prioritizing data security, and fostering collaboration, “We’re at the forefront of driving innovation and transformation in the medical device’s ecosystem.”
Team Triumphing Over Troubles
Anil ardently believes that the workforce is the cornerstone of every successful organization. Thus, “We’re dedicated to creating a culture of growth, skill development, and empowerment where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.” By investing in their workforce and prioritizing employee development and well-being, they can attract, retain, and motivate top talent, driving the success of their organization.
Balancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction is crucial in the medical devices industry, where innovation and accuracy are paramount. Here’s how they strive to strike that balance:
- Streamlined Processes,
- Quality Control and Assurance,
- Customer-Centric Approach,
- Continuous Innovation,
- Responsive Customer Support,
When asked that as a leader in India’s medical sector, they must have faced their share of challenges, Mr. Anil says, “Certainly! One instance where our team’s resilience and ingenuity triumphed over adversity was during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
When the pandemic hit, it posed unprecedented challenges to their operations, supply chain, and customer engagement. Demand for certain medical devices surged, while logistical disruptions and regulatory changes added complexity to their operations. Additionally, ensuring the safety of their employees and maintaining business continuity became top priorities.
He states, “In response to these challenges, our team quickly mobilized and adapted to the rapidly changing environment. Here’s how we overcame adversity:”
- Rapid Response and Adaptation,
- Innovation and Product Diversification,
- Employee Safety and Well-being,
- Community Engagement and Support,
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Anil and his team’s resilience, adaptability, and commitment to their mission enabled them to navigate the crisis successfully. By leveraging their ingenuity, expertise, and collaborative spirit, they overcame adversity and contributed to the collective effort to combat COVID-19 and support India’s healthcare system during a time of unprecedented need.
The Leader’s Advice
Medical devices’ is a niche of the Indian industry that demands constant innovation. For budding entrepreneurs who aspire to venture into this space, Anil suggests, “Guidelines and staying true to your vision, passion, team work and commitment to innovation, you can position yourself for success as a budding entrepreneur in the dynamic and rewarding field of medical devices in India.”
He has several pieces of advice:
*Understand the Industry: Gain a deep understanding of the medical devices industry, including regulatory requirements, market trends, and unmet needs. Familiarize yourself with the challenges and opportunities unique to this space to inform your business strategy.
*Focus on Innovation: Innovation is key in the medical devices industry. Identify areas where there’s a need for improvement or where existing solutions fall short. Develop innovative products or technologies that address these needs and offer tangible benefits to patients, healthcare providers, or healthcare systems.
*Prioritize Regulatory Compliance: Understand the regulatory landscape governing medical devices in India and international standards and regulations if you plan to export your products. Prioritize regulatory compliance from the outset to ensure that your products meet safety, efficacy, and quality standards.
*Collaborate with Stakeholders: Build relationships with key stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem, including healthcare professionals, researchers, regulatory authorities, and industry partners. Collaboration is essential for driving innovation, gaining market insights, and navigating regulatory requirements.
*Invest in Research and Development: Allocate resources to research and development to continuously innovate and improve your products. Invest in cutting-edge technologies, scientific expertise, and product testing to ensure your solutions are effective, reliable, and competitive.
*Focus on Quality and Patient Safety: Prioritize quality and patient safety in everything you do. Implement robust quality management systems, adhere to industry best practices, and conduct thorough testing and validation of your products to ensure their safety and efficacy.
*Seek Funding and Support: Medical device development can be capital-intensive, so explore funding options such as grants, venture capital, or strategic partnerships. Leverage government schemes and incentives for startups in the healthcare sector to support your growth and development.
*Embrace Digitalization and Technological Advancements: Embrace digitalization and leverage technological advancements to innovate in the medical devices space. Explore opportunities to integrate sensors, connectivity, artificial intelligence, and other digital technologies into your products to enhance their functionality and value.
*Stay Resilient and Persistent: Building a successful medical devices business requires resilience, perseverance, dedicated team and a long-term perspective. Be prepared to face challenges, setbacks, and regulatory hurdles along the way, but remain focused on your vision and committed to positively impacting healthcare.
Ensuring a Healthier Nation
Looking ahead, Anil says their vision for Nihon Kohden’s future is to continue driving innovation, expanding access to healthcare, leveraging digital transformation, fostering collaborative partnerships, upholding quality and regulatory compliance, empowering healthcare professionals, and driving thought leadership and advocacy. “By staying true to these principles, we will continue to make a significant impact on India’s medical devices landscape and contribute to building a healthier and more prosperous nation,” he concludes.
