New X-ray machine launched by GE Healthcare

GE Healthcare, a division of US-based General Electric (GE), Tuesday launched HF Advantage, the next generation X-ray system designed, developed and made in India for the domestic and international markets.

Powered by high-frequency X-ray technology, the state-of-the-art product is equipped with a high-power 32KW generator hitherto used in high-end CTs and X-ray machines.

"The product was designed and developed by Indian engineers at the John F. Welch Technology Centre of GE in Bangalore and manufactured by third-party multiple vendors in Pune," GE Healthcare Technologies CEO V. Raja told reporters.

Priced about Rs.800, 000 ($18,300) for the Indian market, HF Advantage offers high quality image and diagnostic precision using lower radiation doses unlike conventional X-ray systems that are priced between Rs.100, 000 ($2,300) and Rs.500, 000 ($11,500).

"With advanced radiography, our latest X-ray product offers radiologists better images for accurate diagnosis. It is our first made-in-India product, designed and developed for the local market as part of GE's goal to bring in global technology to developing markets," Raja said.

To be marketed and serviced by Wipro GE Healthcare, a joint venture between GE Global and Wipro Corporation, the product will be targeted at private and government hospitals, nursing homes and small diagnostic centres. GE Healthcare also plans to introduce the next level of fully digital X-ray systems for enhanced imaging solutions with a price tag of Rs.10.5 to Rs.20.5 million.

A laptop sized digital console and a four way-floating table are some of the features worth mentioning about HF Advantage. It is being launched in the domestic market after extensive trials in the past year, involving about 81,000 patients in select corporate hospitals in Bangalore, Mangalore and Chennai.

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The company plans to market the product in international markets in the next two years to boost export sales from the subcontinent. The company generates about 60 percent of its revenue from the Indian market, with the rest coming from exports.

Source: Indo-Asian News Service