Wipro GE Healthcare to Invest INR 8000 Cr+ in Manufacturing & R&D over 5 Years

This strategic investment is poised to contribute to the growth of the medtech sector, a sunrise industry witnessing robust expansion.

Prominent medtech player, Wipro GE Healthcare, to invest over INR 8000 Cr in manufacturing output and local R&D over the next five years. 

This strategic investment is poised to contribute to the growth of the medtech sector, a sunrise industry witnessing robust expansion.

Talking about the investment, Azim Premji, chairman, Wipro GE Healthcare, said, "India is experiencing a surge in the healthcare industry, particularly in the MedTech sector. With the 'Make in India' initiative gaining momentum, we are witnessing a substantial expansion of manufacturing capabilities in the country, positioning India as a global hub for MedTech innovation and production."

Capital Deployment to Address Demand

Per plans, the investment will primarily focus on expanding Wipro GE Healthcare's manufacturing footprint in India to address the burgeoning demand in domestic and international markets. 

Additionally, as part of this initiative, the company plans to manufacture PET CT, CT, and MR Coils 'In India, for the World', reinforcing India's position as a key innovation and manufacturing hub for medtech.

Echoing similar sentiments, Peter J Arduini, president & CEO of GE Healthcare, said, "India is a high-potential market for GE Healthcare. Our commitment to 'Make in India' reflects our vision to enhance India's domestic capabilities and contribute to its emergence as a leading MedTech manufacturing and R&D hub."

Moreover, the investment is expected to strengthen Wipro GE Healthcare's manufacturing capabilities and contribute to job creation, with an additional 400,000 labor hours expected. 

Currently, the company operates four manufacturing plants in Bengaluru, all export-oriented.

Chaitanya Sarawate, MD, Wipro GE Healthcare and president & CEO,  GE Healthcare South Asia, emphasized that innovation and manufacturing in India for both domestic and international markets has always been their priority. 

“We are confident in India's potential to become a significant player in the global MedTech industry, and we remain committed to supporting the nation's healthcare agenda,” he added.

Strategic Partnerships & Collaborations

Wipro GE Healthcare recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to drive healthcare innovation and technology development in India. 

This collaboration aims to co-develop solutions, validate technologies, and facilitate local manufacturing to expedite the introduction of innovative healthcare solutions into the market. 

The impending launch of the Bagchi-Parthasarathy Hospital & IISc Medical School is anticipated to translate these advancements from laboratory to bedside, addressing critical healthcare needs comprehensively.

In another development, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) researchers, in collaboration with Aster-CMI Hospital, developed an Al tool to identify the median nerve in ultrasound videos and detect carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

This newly developed AI tool is a machine-learning model that segments the nerve in individual video frames and measures its cross-sectional area. Further, it can help doctors diagnose CTS faster and more accurately, especially for people with repetitive hand movements that can compress the median nerve.

Established in 1990, Wipro GE Healthcare is a joint venture between GE Precision Healthcare LLC, USA, and Wipro Enterprises Limited, India. It is one of the most successful JVs in the region, operating across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, and Bhutan. 

The company is focused on addressing healthcare challenges such as maternal and infant mortality, cancer detection, precision care for heart diseases, and better outcomes for trauma patients.