India Automated Endoscope Reprocessor Market Assessment, By Product, By Modality, By Size & Capacity, By End-user, By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, FY2017-FY2031F

The India Automated Endoscope Reprocessor Market was valued at USD 40.29 million in 2022 which is expected to reach USD 83.15 million in 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.48% for the forecasted period between FY2024 and FY2031. The market is being driven by factors such as the increasing number of endoscopic procedures, rising awareness about infection control practices, the government's focus on improving healthcare standards, and technological advancements. Endoscope reprocessing ensures the cleaning, disinfecting, and dry endoscopes to prevent the spread of infection.

Automated endoscope reprocessors (AERs) are devices that automate the endoscope reprocessing process. AERs offer several advantages over manual endoscope reprocessing such as increased efficiency, improved accuracy, and reduced risk of exposure. The India automated endoscope reprocessor market is being hindered by factors such as high cost of AER, lack of skilled professionals in tier-2 & tier-3 cities, and competition from manual endoscope reprocessing.

Increasing Number of Endoscopic Procedures

India is witnessing a significant increase in the number of endoscopic procedures performed across the country. The growing prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders, advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic techniques, and increasing awareness among patients have contributed to this upward trend. The prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, gastroenterological disorders, and respiratory diseases are also increasing in India. These diseases are often diagnosed and treated using endoscopy. The expanding pool of skilled endoscopists, improvements in healthcare infrastructure, and enhanced access to advanced endoscopic equipment have further fueled the growth. With the potential to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, the increasing number of endoscopic procedures in India highlights the evolving landscape of minimally invasive healthcare interventions in the country.

In 2022, an estimated 250 million endoscopies were performed globally and India accounts for 2.8 million endoscopies.

Technological Advancements

There have been notable technological advancements taking place in India automated endoscope reprocessor market. These advancements aim to improve the safety and efficiency of endoscope cleaning and disinfection processes. Modern automated endoscope reprocessor systems utilize cutting-edge technologies such as advanced disinfection techniques, enhanced monitoring capabilities, and improved user interfaces. These systems employ automated cleaning cycles that ensure thorough and consistent cleaning of endoscopes, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and infection transmission. Some automated endoscope reprocessor systems have incorporated innovative features like digital documentation and tracking, which enables seamless traceability and quality control. These technological advancements in India automated endoscope reprocessing market are revolutionizing the field of endoscopy by enhancing patient safety, reducing manual labor, and streamlining the reprocessing workflow.

In 2020, Olympus, a renowned global technology company specializing in developing and providing inventive solutions for medical and surgical procedures, introduced the OER-Elite, its advanced automated endoscope reprocessor to the market. The OER-Elite offers the capability to clean and disinfect two endoscopes simultaneously within a time frame of 28 minutes. The process of achieving high-level disinfection is accomplished through the utilization of Acecide-C®, a disinfectant based on peracetic acid. This innovative solution represents a significant advancement in endoscope reprocessing technology by Olympus.

Rising Awareness about Infection Control Practices

The increasing awareness about infection control practices has had a significant impact on the Indian automated endoscope reprocessor market. Healthcare providers and regulatory bodies in India are placing a greater emphasis on patient safety and the prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). This increased awareness has led to a growing recognition of the importance of effective endoscope reprocessing and the role of AERs in maintaining high-level disinfection standards. As a result, there is a rising demand for advanced AERs that offer improved disinfection capabilities, enhanced monitoring systems, and compliance with reprocessing guidelines. The market is witnessing a shift towards the adoption of AERs that provide reliable, consistent, and standardized cleaning and disinfection procedures, ensuring patient safety and reducing the risk of cross-contamination. The increasing awareness about infection control practices is driving the growth of the India AER market, as healthcare facilities seek to enhance their reprocessing protocols and prioritize patient well-being.

Government Initiatives

The Indian government has been actively promoting and implementing initiatives to enhance healthcare standards, including the adoption of automated endoscope reprocessors. Recognizing the critical role of automated endoscope reprocessors in preventing cross-contamination and ensuring patient safety during endoscopic procedures, the government has prioritized their use. In collaboration with the National Centre for Disease Control, healthcare institutions and manufacturers, the government introduced "National Guidelines for Infection Prevention and Control in Healthcare Facilities" in 2020. The goal of this initiative is to reduce the occurrence of hospital-acquired infections among patients, healthcare professionals, and visitors. It aims to achieve this by empowering and supporting all types of healthcare workers to follow comprehensive infection prevention and control measures at every level of care. The focus of this initiative is on delivering safe and high-quality healthcare, as well as enhancing outcomes by decreasing illness and death rates.

Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the India automated endoscope reprocessor market. The practice of gastrointestinal endoscopy in India was greatly impacted by the pandemic. In comparison to the normal practice, only a small percentage (less than 10%) of endoscopy procedures were performed in healthcare units. There were several reasons for this decline in endoscopy procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Firstly, fewer patients were visiting hospitals due to the national lockdown mandated by the government. Additionally, endoscopists themselves were limiting the number of procedures based on guidelines issued during the pandemic, which advised against routine endoscopies. This was done to minimize contact with patients and reduce the risk of exposure. The reduced availability of staff due to the lockdown made it difficult to manage the usual patient volumes. Furthermore, hospitals advised against routine endoscopy procedures, as they were preparing for a potential surge and prioritizing elective procedures were put on hold. Consequently, these factors contributed to the decrease in endoscopic procedures during the pandemic.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

The India automated endoscope reprocessor market is witnessing a dynamic and competitive landscape with several key players operating in the industry. Companies such as Olympus Corporation, Medivators Inc, Steris Plc, Anios Laboratoires, and Wassenburg Medical are prominent players in this market. These companies are actively engaged in designing and manufacturing advanced automated endoscope reprocessing systems, incorporating cutting-edge technologies to enhance the cleaning and disinfection processes of endoscopes. The demand for efficient and automated reprocessing systems is on the rise, pushing the key players to innovate and offer improved solutions. With the implementation of stringent regulations and guidelines for infection control in healthcare facilities, the market is expected to witness substantial growth in the coming years. Collaboration, strategic partnerships, and product development are likely to be key strategies employed by the players to expand their market share and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the Indian automated endoscope reprocessor market.

In March 2023, AIG Hospital partnered with Boston Scientific Corporation to open a Center of Training and Excellence in GI Endoscopy. The center will provide advanced training to healthcare professionals from India and other South Asian countries.