Ravindra Kumar, CEO, Lupin Diagnostics in an interaction with Kalyani Sharma talks about the future of diagnostics in tier-II and III cities, role of technology and more.
What are your thoughts on the future of diagnostics in tier-II and III cities? How do you see the landscape evolving in terms of accessibility, affordability, and quality of diagnostic services in these regions?
As per the industry estimates, the Indian diagnostic services market was valued at $16.23 billion in 2023, and a recent report indicates this will touch $43.57 billion by FY32, driven by factors such as rising incomes, easier access to quality healthcare, greater awareness of personal health, and increasing penetration of health insurance.
70% of the Indian population resides in tier-II & tier-III cities, and still, the diagnostics testing is very limited in these cities. Healthcare reach is still minimal for the residing population. Handling NCD patients is a big challenge in these cities today. We all know that quality diagnostics assist in 70% of medical treatment for patients. The government's focus on providing quality yet affordable healthcare for all, along with advancements in health technology, has contributed to the rapid expansion of the diagnostics industry. Initiatives like PMJAY are also driving the adoption of insurance, solving the affordability of care for large sections of society and leading to increased demand for quality healthcare in Tier II and III cities. Patients in these cities are also increasingly seeking comprehensive diagnostics packages, driving the shift towards preventive healthcare.
Lupin Diagnostics recognizes the need for advanced diagnostic tools and, therefore, is working towards strengthening its presence in numerous Tier-II cities such as Vijayawada, Patna, Ranchi, Bhubaneshwar, Guwahati, Kolhapur, Nashik, Siliguri, Coimbatore, Muzaffarpur and many more. Our commitment to extending quality healthcare services to tier-II and III cities and beyond is not just about geographic expansion but a stride toward creating a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system. This democratization of healthcare ensures that individuals, irrespective of their location, have access to the same level of quality diagnostic expertise.
The diagnostics industry is witnessing rapid advancements in technology. Could you discuss some of the key technological trends that are shaping the industry, such as AI-driven diagnostics, portable testing devices, and telemedicine integration?
From the digitization of patient records to the emergence of advanced diagnostic tools, technology is revolutionizing the patient experience. The seamless integration of AI-driven diagnostics is not only boosting operational efficiency in diagnostic labs but is also offering patients a more accessible, convenient, and transparent healthcare journey.
At the forefront, we witness groundbreaking advancements in molecular diagnostics and genetic testing. These technologies enhance diagnostic accuracy, empowering doctors with timely insights for better patient care. As AI takes on a larger role in diagnostics, patients stand to benefit from faster and more accurate assessments, leading to earlier detection and treatment of health conditions. Furthermore, the reduced human intervention in the sample testing process minimizes and enhances overall healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction.
As we embrace these trends, Lupin Diagnostics remains committed to harnessing cutting-edge technologies, ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care tailored to their individual needs, starting from ease of home collection booking to the smart report, AI-based care for NCD patients, historical trend analysis report & the final diagnosis report. On the other hand, enhancement in cancer predictions and acute patient management along with instruments & software usages based on AI.
How do you anticipate the regulatory landscape to evolve in response to technological advancements in diagnostics?
The organized sector of the diagnostics industry in India has historically strived to maintain the highest quality and safety standards. Regulatory compliance, including adherence to environmental health standards, is also becoming increasingly important. However, in India, only about 3% of diagnostic laboratories are NABL accredited.
The pandemic has underscored the importance of reliable test results, and as patients become more aware of the importance of getting tested by accredited labs, an increasing number of labs will opt to undergo rigorous accreditation processes. There is an immense need for diagnostics laboratory regulations to be more transparent as well as stringent and the process for running diagnostics laboratories in India.
At Lupin Diagnostics, our 50% laboratories are NABL accredited and all of our laboratories adhere to government regulations.
Lupin's Diagnostics has recently strengthened its presence in South India and other markets by launching labs in Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Vijayawada, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Could you discuss the impact of these expansions on enhancing healthcare accessibility in these regions and improving patient outcomes?
With an extensive network comprising 40+ laboratories and over 700+ collection centres across India, Lupin Diagnostics ensures accessibility and convenience for patients across key cities like Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Vijayawada, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai. We prioritize accuracy and quality by following stringent quality control protocols, ensuring the consistent integrity and quality of each sample, which is demonstrated by 50%+ lab being NABL accredited.
By establishing state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic technologies and staffed with highly qualified clinical experts, Lupin Diagnostics is able to offer a wide range of reliable and high-quality diagnostic services. These services include molecular diagnostics, cytogenetics, flow cytometry, cytology, microbiology, serology, haematology, immunology, routine biochemistry, and more, catering to both routine, specialized and super-specialized testing needs.
Moreover, Lupin Diagnostics enhances patient convenience through a robust home collection service team and network, enabling real-time tracking of assigned phlebotomists. We also offers value-added services such as dynamic smart reports, health monitoring tips, and historical trend graphs, further empowering patients to take charge of their health. Thus, the expansion underscores Lupin Diagnostics' Laboratories a relentless dedication to patient-centricity and its mission to be a catalyst for healthier lives.
Could you elaborate on Lupin's Diagnostics' approach to leveraging data analytics and digital technologies to improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency?
The future of diagnostics lies in leveraging data analytics and digital technologies to offer personalized, transparent, and efficient healthcare solutions. In the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare, these tools are becoming essential in driving personalized medicine and reshaping the diagnostic process.
We at Lupin Diagnostics recognise the transformative potential of data analytics and digital technologies in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, and by embracing these advancements, we aim to contribute to the ongoing evolution of the diagnostics industry towards more personalised, transparent, and patient-centric healthcare solutions.
