Increasing Accessibility

Rakesh Kumar, Chief Operating Officer, Ige Medical, speaks about the company's Public Private Partnership venture with Government of Bihar in order to provide diagnostic facility to rural areas of Bihar

Tell us about your company and your products.

Our company was established in the year 1994 and since then we grown to be one of the leading companies dealing in X-ray machines and Ultrasound. During our entire life span we have aimed to provide the best service to our customers along with maintaining high quality standards.

Our products are at par with leading companies in the radiological field. Our products are ISO 9000 and CE certified. Quality is the priority for us and with this attitude we have created a satisfied customer group.

What is your rational behind intiating a PPP venture?

PPP is the key to the success of the Indian healthcare industry. With the help of a PPP venture the Government gets an opportunity to learn from private players and the in turn the private players get the resources they are looking for along with recognition. Therefore, it becomes a win-win situation for both. Successfully PPPs of the past have set an example for us and we should look forward to such opportunities with open arms.

Can you explain to us your PPP intiative with the Government of Bihar?

People living in the rual areas of Bihar face a lot of problems healthcare facilities our concern. If they need medical aid they have to travel for around 30-40 kms and most of the time they do not receive immediate medical aid during an emergency. This is the biggest drawback.

In our quest to reach out to the poor section of the society we intiated the PPP venture with the State Government of Bihar in 2006. With the help of this association with the Government we have set up medical centres. Through this PPP venture, the Government provides us with space and we provide the people we diagnostic facilities at these centres. We provide the equipment, maintenance and services at these centres. This is beneficial to us as we get the penetration we required and people get the necessary medical facilities.

Tell us how can this intiative fill the gaps in Indian's healthcare industry, specifically the radiology section?

Well, the Indian healthcare industry which is growing at a substantial rate has a greater scope for growth if we consentrate on the rural sector. With our intiative we aim to bridge this gap by entering the raural sector and providing them with facilities. This will in turn, provide a basis for a new market.