Trend shifting from treatment to prevention, screening: Shravan Subramanyam

We recently launched digital pathology where everything is now done digitally, says Subramanyam

Roche Diagnostics India, the diagnostics division of pharma major Hoffmann-La Roche, has been in India for over 50 years through various entities. Now, with full-fledged operations in India, the firm is focusing on infectious diseases, oncology, cardiac and metabolic disorders, non-communicable diseases, and women’s health. In an interaction with Gireesh Babu, Managing Director of Roche Diagnostics India, Shravan Subramanyam, talks about emerging trends and the future of the diagnostics market. Edited excerpts:

What are the trends in the diagnostics industry you observe in India and are trying to adopt?

The trend is moving from treatment to prevention and screening. There is a trend towards wellness rather than treatment. We are seeing that a lot, especially in non-communicable diseases like diabetes, and others where a lot of screening is going on. In terms of technology, there is much emphasis on molecular testing and there is a trend towards digital technologies. We recently launched digital pathology, in which, instead of using a conventional microscope, everything is now done digitally. You can watch it on screens and there is a very sophisticated algorithm that will explain what cell you are seeing and the treatment that is available. Another trend we have observed is personalised health care. This is an area we are investing a lot globally in and trying to accelerate in India.

What is the share of digital in your overall India portfolio?

Digital is just an emerging trend. About three-fourths of the tests are routine clinical chemistry, immuno assay and others, and one-fourth is in highly specialised clinical value-added products for cancer and infectious diseases.

Are you working on AI and Big Data to improve offerings?

Globally, we have invested in a couple of companies. Eventually, the products will also come to Asia and India. Since Roche has both the diagnostics and pharma units — we cover the patients on either sides — the link between the two is data. The goal is to make the data accelerate diagnosis, treatment, and clinical outcome. 

How has 2018 been for Roche India?

The year has been consistent. We are actively working across different sectors. Whether you take chain labs, stand-alone labs, government labs, or public-private partnerships — we have an active presence across sectors. We are consistently performing across the sectors. We are seeing growth above the market, at a little over 15 per cent.

Has the volatility in currency impacted your imports?

Any multinational firm will see an impact. We are managing for the time being and at some point, we will have to address it, in which scale will help.

Is there a plan to set up a facility in India?

It is always something that comes up. At the moment, I don’t have a comment to make. We have some very elaborate R&D facilities through third parties to develop technology for the global market, for example, digital technologies. We are investing in India in different places; putting the intellectual capital to good use. 

Have you started seeing the impact of Modicare?

It is still early days. We celebrate it as a monumental opportunity for patients. At the moment, my hope is that they expand support to include outpatient management, because we believe that if you test early and treat early, you can prevent hospitalisation, where we know the cost is maximum. They have a few programmes for prevention, but the need is for a consistent outpatient programme for screening and prevention. They are trying to create an impact, given almost nothing exists as of now. 

Will it help increase your supply?

Theoretically, it is possible. The pricing makes it a bit challenging to participate. But at the moment, service providers are more close to it than the B2B supplier, though B2B suppliers will eventually be there.