In an interview with IndiaMedToday, Arpit Paliwal talks about surgical navigation systems that are set to become the backbone of surgeries, expansion plans and market projections for FY 2025.
By Sonali Patranabish
In a world driven towards sustainability, HRSs’ surgical navigation Systems consumable-less technology comes across as a conscious and thought-through product. Could you elaborate more on this?
Our surgical navigation systems (easyNav), are designed to minimize environmental impact while maximising clinical efficiency.
By eliminating the dependency on consumables, we significantly reduce medical waste generation, a growing concern in the healthcare sector. This consumable-less approach also lowers the carbon footprint associated with the production, transportation, and disposal of such items.
Moreover, the durability and longevity of our systems are enhanced by advanced engineering, reducing the need for frequent replacements or upgrades. This aligns with our vision of providing medical technology that not only empowers surgeons with precision but also contributes to a more sustainable and resource-conscious healthcare ecosystem.
While your precision technology has been used across cranial, spine and ENT surgeries, do you intend to expand your product portfolio which can be all-inclusive of other types of surgeries, especially for orthopaedic and cardiovascular surgeries?
While our systems are widely trusted for cranial, spine, and ENT surgeries, we want to expand our product portfolio into other segments like orthopaedics. This marks the beginning of a focused effort to address the need for joint replacement surgeries with the same accuracy and reliability that define our existing solutions.
Additionally, we are evaluating opportunities in other specialities as well, as we continue to receive inquiries and interest from surgeons in these areas. Our goal is to be a comprehensive partner for surgeons across multiple specialities, ensuring that precision and efficiency remain at the heart of every procedure.
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Surgical navigation systems have truly redefined the modern operating room by giving surgeons unprecedented precision and confidence. With real-time guidance and enhanced visualisation, these systems help surgeons accurately plan and execute procedures, reducing the margin for error and improving patient outcomes.
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How has the response and uptake been w.r.t surgical navigation systems by hospitals? In terms of pricing and affordability, how are HRSs’ surgical navigation systems positioned in the market?
The response to our surgical navigation systems has been overwhelmingly positive. Initially, the major demand came from Tier II and Tier II cities, as this technology was often considered a luxury, primarily limited to corporate hospitals. However, that perception is rapidly changing.
With the value our systems bring—precision, sustainability, and affordability—we’re seeing significant traction in metro cities as well. Hospitals across a broader spectrum are now adopting navigation technology as they realise its impact on surgical outcomes and patient care.
In terms of pricing, HRS Navigation has positioned itself as a provider of advanced yet accessible solutions. Our systems eliminate the recurring costs of consumables, which helps hospitals manage their investments more efficiently. By offering cutting-edge technology with strong clinical and service support, we ensure that hospitals can embrace precision surgery without facing prohibitive costs, making our systems an excellent value proposition for healthcare providers everywhere.
Surgical navigation systems have transformed the face of modern operation theatres. Could you shed some light on how surgeons are benefitting from this revolutionary technology?
Surgical navigation systems have truly redefined the modern operating room by giving surgeons unprecedented precision and confidence. With real-time guidance and enhanced visualisation, these systems help surgeons accurately plan and execute procedures, reducing the margin for error and improving patient outcomes.
For example, in cranial and spine surgeries, where millimetre-level accuracy is crucial, navigation systems allow surgeons to work more safely around critical structures. In ENT surgeries, they enhance visualization in complex anatomies, making procedures faster and more efficient. Beyond accuracy, these systems also reduce surgeon fatigue by simplifying complex procedures, allowing them to focus on decision-making rather than manual precision.
The result? Better outcomes, fewer complications, and increased confidence—for both the surgeon and the patient.
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Hospitals across a broader spectrum are now adopting navigation technology as they realise its impact on surgical outcomes and patient care. With a growing focus on precision surgery, hospitals are recognising that navigation systems are no longer a luxury but an essential tool for improving outcomes and patient safety. The shift towards value-based care, combined with advancements in medical infrastructure, is further accelerating this trend.
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How do you foresee the surgical navigation systems market unfolding in India in FY 2025?
The surgical navigation systems market in India is set for significant growth in FY 2025. As corporate hospitals increase their penetration into smaller cities, advanced medtech-like navigation systems is becoming more accessible, driving adoption in Tier II and Tier III markets alongside the traditional demand from Tier 1 cities.
With a growing focus on precision surgery, hospitals are recognising that navigation systems are no longer a luxury but an essential tool for improving outcomes and patient safety. The shift towards value-based care, combined with advancements in medical infrastructure, is further accelerating this trend.
Challenges and roadblocks while they are imminent serve as an opportunity to learn. What sort of challenges are currently hampering the growth of this market? Do you have a roadmap/strategy in place to navigate these curve balls?
Like any evolving market, the surgical navigation systems space in India faces its share of challenges. One significant barrier is the perception of advanced technology as a high investment, which may stem from the fact that the market was traditionally dominated by multinational companies whose products were expensive. This perception often deters smaller hospitals from adopting such systems. Another challenge is ensuring that more surgeons and hospital teams are familiar with the benefits and ease of use of navigation systems.
To address these, we’re focussed on continuously enhancing our products by incorporating feedback from surgeons and hospitals. This approach ensures our systems deliver even greater value, with new features that improve functionality and customer experience.
We’re also strengthening our clinical support and service teams to provide unparalleled assistance, from installation and training to ongoing technical support. These efforts ensure that hospitals and surgeons feel confident in adopting and using our systems effectively, helping us overcome these challenges and drive growth in this space.
Image-guided surgical navigation systems are being touted to be the new norm for surgeries. Considering this, are there any expansion plans in the pipeline?
Image-guided surgical navigation systems are becoming the new norm, and we see tremendous potential for growth in this space. The Indian healthcare market is unique in its diversity. Accessibility, affordability, and scalability are key considerations in this market, and at HRS Navigation, we are focused on developing solutions that address these challenges.
We’re expanding our portfolio with a strong emphasis on new specialities. Additionally, we’re integrating emerging technologies like robotics and AI to enhance precision and efficiency, making sure our systems evolve with the changing demands of the healthcare ecosystem in India. By continuously innovating and staying attuned to the specific needs of this market, we’re ensuring we contribute to improving patient outcomes across the country.