Melbourne Strikes New Med Tech Deals In India

The State Government of Victoria, Australia today announced the signing of two new agreements which will further strengthen Victoria’s renowned medical technology sector and share our expertise partnering with leading Indian organisations to address major health challenges, including the diagnosis of epilepsy.

Swinburne University has signed two memoranda of understanding with major Indian partners while on a  Neuroscience Victoria trade mission,run jointly by the Victorian Government and Austrade to open up new markets for Victorians in the medical technology sector.

Neuroscience leaders from Swinburne University, who were part of the delegation to India, signed an agreement with Medanta, one of India’s largest private hospitals, on a project to improve diagnosis of epilepsy across India. The overall prevalence of epilepsy in India is 5.59-10 in 1000 persons. There is a gap in access to adequate diagnostic services and medical care in particularly in rural India.

This project will develop products and technologies that can be used to help diagnose epilepsy in villages and remote communities across the vast nation.The technology can be used to help local health workers diagnose epilepsy early and refer patients for treatment in urban centres.

Swinburne also signed a memorandum of understanding with the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to develop a cutting edge ‘smart helmet’ to reduce the incidence of head injuries for motorcyclists.

Two thirds of road vehicles in India are two wheelers and tens of thousands of people die on India’s roads every year with many more suffering injury and trauma, but many people still do not wear helmets.According to a study by the state police, there were over 1 Lakh deaths due to road accidents in India in the year 2015.

The ‘smart helmet’isdesigned to be light-weight and incorporate technology to address issues that discourage people from wearing helmets.

These new agreements reinforce Victoria’s reputation as a world leader in the life sciences sector and India aligns as a natural partner with its globally recognised expertise in medical research.

Dr Trehan of Medanta said, “The partnership will allow the most isolated patients to receive the medial expertise of their urban brothers and sisters. Technology and training is the key to increasing accessibility and improving health outcomes for village populations.”

Professor Ajay Kapoor, Pro-Vice Chancellor International Research Engagement & Development, Swinburne University of Technology commented, “This has been a very successful trade mission for us with two new agreements that will further enhance our strong working relationship with India.” “

Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis said, “Congratulations to Swinburne on these exciting new agreements – agreat example of the opportunities that our targeted trade mission program is providing to take our expertise to the world, boosting our med tech reputation and creating jobs here at home.”

Minister for Health Jill Hennessy said, “We’re determined to capitalise on the export, investment and job creating potential of Victoria’s healthcare and medical research sector, and further strengthening our relationship with India will help us achieve that.”