Dr. Thakur has authored several articles in journals and books. She has been guide for MD/DMRD since 1997 for University of Mumbai, University of Health Sciences, and Homi Bhabha National Institute. She is also actively involved in various meetings, workshops, and conferences as organizer, guest speaker, or participant.

On X-ray equipment market in India

X-ray imaging is one of the fastest and easiest ways to produce diagnostic images of the human body on film or digitally on a computer screen. India, being the second most populous country in the world with steady growth in GNP and improved standard of living, represents one of the most promising markets. X-ray equipment market has a very good potential in India, since it is the basic investigation required for all medical specialties. Also, it is being increasingly used now-days in various industries and in security applications. X-ray equipment market in India is pegged around USD 38 million compared to global X-ray equipment market of over USD 3 billion.

On various types of X-ray equipment

X-ray equipment varies from dental X-ray units, mobile units, stationary fluoroscopic units, radiography units of C-arm, and machines of different capacities ranging from 15MA to 500M, depending upon the requirement.

The new technology which is coming up is flat panel digital radiography, which offers key value propositions of high throughput (2-3 times of what CR gives), superior image quality, advanced application like tissue equalization and low radiation dose (around 40 percent less radiation than CR). With all the major manufacturers working on technological advancement and value engineering, flat panel DR are finally becoming affordable.

On main suppliers of X-ray equipment

Major suppliers in India are Wipro GE, Siemens, Allengers Medical Systems, Shimadzu, and Philips.

On desired features and specifications

Desired features and specification in X-ray equipment are according to the customer's demand and usage. Any X-ray equipment should be accurate in performance with high degree of precision and image quality and should be approved by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and Bureau of India Standard for electrical, mechanical, and radiation safety. Now-a-days, high frequency digital X-ray systems are preferred. Digital X-ray system is new technology that has very low radiation risks and offers various advantages such as immediate generation of images and high quality imaging compared to the conventional X-ray that relies on films. It is done in a compact manner with digital storage of X-ray, without risk of loss or deterioration of quality.

On suggestions to buyers

The key factors that influence the decision of purchase are image quality, service quality, and price. While buying any equipment one should specially check out the after-sales service provided by the vendor, software, accessories, and compatibility with the future technology. Following are some other factors to be considered before purchasing:

• Size of hospital
• Availability of service back-up
• Nature of work

On challenges and opportunities

In India, X-ray has been able to penetrate the maximum. There would be over 50,000 X-ray machines in the country. However, this penetration has still not reached the rural India, which in a way offers a good opportunity.

With the advent of advanced diagnostic equipment like MRI, PET, CT and the likes, the focus on X-ray has diminished and presents a major challenge which needs to be overcome.

Reduction of hazardous effects of X-rays on the human body is one of the major challenges for X-ray imaging equipment manufacturers, who are looking forward to launch new equipment with advanced capabilities. In addition, high funding requirements are acting as a barrier for smaller market participants.

Another limitation which manufactures need to overcome is the static X-ray table. These should be able to rotate or tilt in order to position properly for the examination.

On issue of obsolescence/threats from other technologies

The first X-ray device was invented in 1895 and it still continues to be the maximum in any typical hospital / diagnostic center. This technology has been through the test of times and still remains the first touch for diagnostic investigation.

Some of the time consuming fluoroscopic procedures like barium swallows, IVU etc. are shifting to alternate technologies like ultrasound and CT.

Though, the modern radiology imaging has a lot of focus on CT, MRI, and ultrasound, but, the basic X-ray imaging will remain as a core diagnostic tool in the future as well.

On the after-sales services being offered by manufacturers and vendors

After-sales service offered by the vendors in India is good for private sector and bigger hospitals; however, it is not very prompt for smaller diagnostic setups. Quality and promptness of after-sales service remains one of the key factors in purchase decision of X-ray equipment.

On major driving factors

Factors that drive X-ray equipment market in India are cost-effectiveness, availability of AERB approved and registered high quality machines, increasing number of health conscious people, and increasing health services in rural and urban India. Also, improved Indian economy will lead to a rise in this market.

On future of this market segment

Since 2000, the market of X-ray equipment has witnessed a significant rise in demand and is expected to rise further. This is due to relative improvement in the economic condition, health consciousness among the Indian population, and increase in number of people opting for health insurance.