In the intricate world of healthcare, where precision and efficiency are paramount, the journey from manufacturer to end user is often fraught with obstacles. Especially in the hinterlands of tier 3 and tier 4 cities of India, pathology labs that stand as the vanguards of diagnostic excellence find themselves on the periphery of the healthcare supply chain. Enter Vanguard Diagnostics, a visionary force reshaping the in vitro diagnostics (IVD) landscape.
Breaking new ground with Vanguard Diagnostics e- Mart, the company has pioneered the first IVD e-commerce platform in India, bridging the chasm between manufacturers and pathology labs. With a click of a button, labs gain unprecedented access to a plethora of diagnostic products, ushering in a new era of seamless procurement and delivery. By propelling healthcare supply chains into the digital age, Vanguard Diagnostics is empowering every end user with a seamless pathway to diagnostic excellence.
Make in India In 2015, when Vanguard Diagnostics was founded by seasoned entrepreneurs with backgrounds in the corporate world, the IVD sector in India faced a quandary. “With approximately 100 players, including manufacturers, multinational corporations (MNCs) focused solely on sales and marketing, and a majority of importers primarily sourcing from China, the industry grappled with inefficiencies and escalating costs. Importing IVD products posed considerable challenges, from exorbitant freight charges to fluctuating exchange rates, leading to heightened costs and logistical complexities”, explains Veena Kohli, Founder and CEO of Vanguard Diagnostics.
Recognizing these pain points, the company embarked on a mission to revolutionize the sector through import substitution. Leveraging their expertise and manufacturing capabilities, the founders vowed to produce high-quality diagnostics locally, eliminating the need for import licenses and ensuring competitive pricing in Indian rupees.
Customizations & Manufacturing Expertise
Understanding the diverse needs of clients, Vanguard Diagnostics is committed to developing customized reagents SEPTEMBER ASIA BUSINESS OUTLOOK 29 DECEMBER ASIA BUSINESS OUTLOOK By leveraging patented technology, the company has introduced groundbreaking products, such as the world's first RT-PCR test for typhoid detection, addressing critical unmet needs in typhoid diagnosis tailored to different analyzers. With a rapid development cycle of four weeks, the company delivers superior quality products, validated through extensive testing and documentation. This swift turnaround has been made possible by the company's robust R&D infrastructure, boasting a skilled team capable of delivering quality products within stringent timelines.
The journey from conceptualization to product development involves rigorous quality control measures.
Each customized reagent undergoes a comprehensive validation process, including coefficient of correlation studies for accuracy, coefficient of variation studies for precision, and testing with third-party controls to assess performance. Additionally, accelerated stability studies ensure product efficacy and longevity, instilling confidence in clients regarding the reliability of Vanguard Diagnostics' offerings. This commitment to quality and innovation has propelled Vanguard Diagnostics from humble beginnings to emerge as a formidable player in the IVD landscape. What started with customized reagents for two models of hematology analyzers has blossomed into a diverse portfolio encompassing solutions for 25 models of hematology analyzers and is expanding into other segments.
Specializations for Better Healthcare
At the heart of Vanguard Diagnostics' mission lies a commitment to innovation and quality, exemplified by its R&D prowess and manufacturing excellence. By leveraging patented technology, the company has introduced groundbreaking products, such as the world's first RTPCR test for typhoid detection, addressing critical unmet needs in typhoid diagnosis. Collaborations with esteemed institutions like the Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology underscore Vanguard's dedication to advancing healthcare solutions, from Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) detection to manufacturing molecular diagnostics products for blood banks.
By leveraging patented technology, the company has introduced groundbreaking products, such as the world's first RT-PCR test for typhoid detection, addressing critical unmet needs in typhoid diagnosis
Market Growth & Future Expansions
India's IVD segment, nestled within the broader medical devices sector, has been growing consistently, endorsed by the government's recognition of its potential. Over the past five years, concerted efforts, including the establishment of medical devices parks, introduction of production-linked incentives, and the revised public procurement order favouring indigenous products, have spurred the sector's expansion. Vanguard Diagnostics has been instrumental in advocating for policies conducive to domestic manufacturing, contributing to both economic growth and technical prowess within the sector.
Veena Kohli served as the first woman President of the Association of Diagnostics Manufacturers of India (ADMI) for several years. Her tenure was marked by success in establishing a crucial link between the industry and governmental bodies, thereby bolstering the drive towards self-reliance and the Make in India initiative, particularly during the pivotal phase of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic thrust IVD into the spotlight, catalyzing unprecedented growth and fostering heightened awareness of health and wellness. With a staggering year-on-year growth of 45 percent in 2020, the sector experienced a paradigm shift, accentuated by increased demand for home-use diagnostics and the imperative for quality healthcare. Factors such as rising chronic diseases, burgeoning medical tourism, and expanding insurance coverage have further fueled the sector's trajectory, necessitating technological innovation and operational efficiency. As Vanguard Diagnostics continues to evolve, its focus remains unwavering–to deliver cutting-edge diagnostics that meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry. Through relentless dedication to excellence and a customer-centric ethos, the company aims to redefine the standards of quality and reliability in the IVD sector, paving the way for a healthier and more accessible future.
Since its inception in 2015, Vanguard Diagnostics has traversed a remarkable trajectory, marked by milestones and accolades. From strategic partnerships to pioneering indigenous solutions for COVID-19 testing, the company's journey epitomizes resilience and innovation. Looking ahead, Vanguard Diagnostics remains focused on R&D advancements, market expansion, and elevating its manufacturing capabilities. With a steadfast commitment to excellence and a vision for transformative growth, the company is poised to shape the future of India's IVD sector.
Veena Kohli, Founder & CEO, Vanguard Diagnostics
Veena Kohli, Founder & CEO of Vanguard Diagnostics, is an awardwinning leader in medical diagnostics with 35 years of experience. An AIIMS New Delhi alumna, she has held senior roles in major Indian organizations and a US-based MNC, becoming the first woman Global Head of the Diagnostics Business.
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