GE unit offers new medical products

Spurred by an increasing demand for medical products and services in China, GE Healthcare will introduce more than 20 products in the next few years for the country's 1.3 billion residents.

The products from the subsidiary of US conglomerate General Electric Co will be in areas such as cardiology, electrophysiology and orthopedics,

"With our cutting-edge technologies and strong R&D (research and development) platform, we are working on providing more world-class medical technologies and solutions for Chinese patients," said Diana Tang, vice-president and general manager of GE Healthcare China.

In Shanghai this week, GE Healthcare introduced the Optima CT680 computed tomography (CT) system. The CT680 features a modular design and low-dose imaging. It will be beneficial in helping to diagnose heart disease.

Cardiac disease is now the third leading cause of death in China after stroke and cancer. More than 300 million people died of cardiac disease in 2012, with one case of sudden cardiac death every 10 seconds, according to statistics.

"China has a large number of cardiac patients. But technical bottlenecks have limited the use of cardiac screening in the country." said Dr. Lu Bin of the radiology department at Beijing Fuwai Hospital, which specializes in treating cardiovascular diseases.

An efficient cardiac diagnostic device will help support cardiac screening on a larger scale for China, he said.

Earlier this year, the company introduced a laser-guided robotic interventional X-ray system.

Tang said the company is working on developing more products that help lower the cost of healthcare. Analysts note that a rapidly aging population in the country will increase demand for medical services.

"Over the past years, the Chinese government has been working on promoting medical reform in the country. It has seen a growing demand for medical services and products. In this regard, how to provide patients with better services and affordable care has become an important issue," said Feng Xiaoyuan, dean of Fudan University's medical school.

Earlier this year, the company introduced a laser-guided robotic interventional X-ray system Discovery IGS730, digital mobile X-ray system Optima 220amx.

wanghongyi@chinadaily.com.cn