26-Jan-15 Many players in the healthcare industry continue to rely on a distribution model that hasn’t changed in decades. But new market pressures are forcing a reconsideration of the status quo. Direct-to-market distribution via 3PL providers is one cost-effective answer, says DHL, especially in emerging markets. [image: Supply Chain Matter / DHL]

09-Jan-15 While drug makers say local regulators are ill-equipped and inadequately staffed to monitor them, the watchdogs in turn hold state governments responsible for failing to strengthen the supervisory mechanism. "The governments were in a mad rush to attract investments by creating tax havens but did not pay enough attention to… quality standards," a state drug controller said, admitting inadequacies in the system. [image: The Economic Times / BCCL]

06-Jan-15 India’s cash-starved medical devices sector will be opened up to 100% foreign direct investment. About 70% of the country's medical devices demand is met through imports. With the new rules, the government is trying to reduce the import bill and encourage local manufacturers to tap into the USD400 bn global market. [image: The Economic Times / BCCL]

21-Dec-14 Siemens is looking at expansion of its healthcare equipment manufacturing base in India, to cater to the global market as well as to "introduce more India-relevant products". Siemens believes India is receptive to innovation and very quick to adopt new products. [image: The Economic Times]

11-Dec-14 Medtronic will turn over more than USD900 million in China this year, up from only USD50 million ten years ago. Its China strategy is multi-faceted, involving imports, local R&D, patient education and M&A. Despite this success, the advantage Medtronic - along with other foreign device makers - has carved out, is increasingly under pressure from local players, whose ability to innovate and drive costs down via frugal engineering is creating a new standard of excellence. [image: China Business Review]