Philips has launched a range of handheld ultrasound and ECG devices. Called VISIQ, the ultrasound device, which is the size of an average smartphone, combines features similar to that of a traditional system but is easy-to-use and portable, thereby enabling the company to penetrate deeper into tier-II and tier-III towns.

The Andover-based company has launched a portable ECG machine as well, which is similar in size to the ultrasound machine and can be connected to a tablet that runs Android software.

VISIQ is priced at ₹10.5 lakh onwards, which is 50 per cent cheaper than ultrasound devices of competitors such as GE and Siemens Healthcare, according to Philips officials. The ECG device is priced at ₹45,000.

“We aim to increase access to (detect) heart-related ailments in a proactive rather than reactive manner,” said Krishna Kumar, Vice-Chairman and MD, Philips India.

The devices have already found takers. Shashikala Bhat, a doctor at TMA Pai Hospital said that the VISIQ’s portability helps her to carry the device to the labour room or an operating theatre.

Spate of offerings

It is not only Philips that is making efforts to increase access to affordable healthcare . Last week, GE Healthcare tied up with CTSI to launch 25 cancer treatment centres in the next five years, powered largely by technology efficiencies like cloud computing and mobility.

Similarly, in January, Quest Diagnostics announced that hospitals, physicians and patients across India can access its affordable cancer diagnostic testing services. India is facing large scale healthcare-related problems.

For example, according to World Health Organisation data, 60 million people have been diagnosed with heart disease last year in India, which has risen from 36 million in the last ten years.

Industry watchers say this is one reason why companies are launching innovative devices. “There is a shortage of trained manpower and we designed devices that are easy to use by a clinician,” James P Andrew, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer and EVP- Member Executive Committee, Royal Philips told Business Line .

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