Cardiovascular diseases continue to be a significant health challenge worldwide, requiring continuous advancements in medical technology to enhance treatment outcomes. With the growing need for innovative, accessible, and cost-effective solutions, the development of cutting-edge cardiovascular devices has become a priority. Vivek Shah, CEO, Meril, shared his insights on the latest breakthroughs in cardiovascular care, exploring how innovation is driving better patient outcomes, increasing affordability, and strengthening the global medical ecosystem.

Meril has been a pioneer in medical technology. What inspired the development of this new cardiovascular portfolio, and how does it align with the company’s long-term vision? 

Meril launched its cardiovascular product portfolio to address unmet clinical needs, enhancing patient outcomes, and reducing dependence on imported medical devices. Meril is committed to increasing accessibility as India has a high burden of cardiovascular diseases, and Meril sought to provide advanced yet cost-effective solutions to improve quality care. The company aimed to contribute to India’s Make in India initiative by developing world-class, indigenous cardiovascular devices and reducing reliance on imports.

Apart from technological advancements, how do these new products contribute to improving the accessibility and affordability of cardiovascular treatments, especially in emerging markets like India? 

Meril is responsible for the democratisation of healthcare by making sure that state-of-the-art medical equipment not only works clinically but also makes healthcare accessible and affordable. Our ultra-modern manufacturing plant enables us to save on costs while keeping our products of the highest quality. Meril’s cardiovascular products enhance the accessibility and affordability of cardiovascular treatments in emerging markets. These inventions lower the reliance on imports because they provide impressive quality at an affordable price. While surpassing the standards,  these products also improve patient results due to their highly developed design, long-lasting durability, and ease of use. Further, Meril's dedication to Make in India adds even more value without losing global standards.

Our ultra-modern manufacturing plant enables us to save on costs while keeping our products of the highest quality.

With the launch of new surgical products, how does Meril plan to position itself in the highly competitive cardiovascular device market, both domestically and internationally? 

Meril is represented on the global front in over 150 countries, with its subsidiaries spreading across the biggest markets: the US, Germany, Brazil, Russia, South Africa and Bangladesh. We shall continue to enhance our presence by increasing investments in research, striking more strategic partnerships, and foraying into newer markets. Strengthening our hold further on the market, we will continue to lead by maintaining a robust pipeline of innovative cardiovascular solutions.

Surgical training and ease of adoption play a key role in introducing new medical devices.  What steps is Meril taking to ensure that healthcare professionals can effectively integrate these innovations into their practice? 

Meril works closely with healthcare professionals by providing them with best-in-class training and educational programmes. The company has partnered with 12 top academies across the world to provide practical and innovative training instructive aids. Meril augments skill development and clinical outcomes through advanced training centres and digital learning centres. The Meril First  Academy facilitates the exchange of knowledge through live case demonstrations, interactive workshops and expert dialogues spanning around 15,000 square feet of space. By encouraging continuous learning and improvement, Meril ensures that medical practitioners adopt new techniques for better patient care and the use of innovative medical technologies. 

Meril augments skill development and clinical outcomes through advanced training centres and digital learning centres. 

Meril's policy of co-creation comes across as a proactive way towards creating products with improved user experience. In what ways do you leverage the concept of co-creation towards product innovation? 

We contribute to building the healthcare ecosystem using applied learning, collaborative research, and public health programmes. We collaborate with hospitals, universities, and international health organisations on major investment projects that deliver new solutions to address healthcare challenges. But for the improvement of healthcare infrastructure that leads to better patient outcomes around the globe, lie our interests.  

Beyond product innovation, how does Meril contribute to the larger healthcare ecosystem? 

Meril plays a critical role in developing the healthcare ecosystem through education, research collaboration, and public health initiatives in addition to innovation in groundbreaking medical devices. We partner with hospitals, academia, and global healthcare authorities to engage in innovation as well as the exchange of knowledge. The pledge also goes to support the enhancements of the infrastructures for health and keeps patient outcomes enhanced all over the world. 

Do you intend to expand your product portfolio further or are there any technological advancements in the pipeline for your existing products? 

At Meril, the role of innovation is pivotal in the strategy. Investments in R&D to enhance their basket of offerings as well as in improving existing products keep flowing. A host of technologies are  still on the drawing board, with the best intention of enhancing efficiency and precision to ensure  safe treatment in cardiovascular care and other areas of critical care. The ambition should be either to make big steps forward about the emerging challenges in the healthcare field or to provide in such a way that it may, from a futuristic point of view, revolutionise how one takes care of a patient.