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Time of India
23-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Next-Gen Surgery Starts Here and It's Made in India
'Every journey unfolds in three phases—rejection, apprehension, and acceptance,' says Sunil Singh, Founder and CEO of Univlabs . 'We built Univlabs to persist through each one.' In 2015, Sunil faced a bold question while visiting a major Gov hospital in north India? While working in an American company I am personally getting enriched but what's the cost to the country and society? Can world-class surgical technology be built in India, designed by Indian minds, for Indian needs and still compete with the best globally? Today, Univlabs is addressing that question. With a growing team, a global presence, and trusted products being used in operating rooms both in India and internationally, Univlabs demonstrates that innovation can be developed right here in India, rather than relying on imports. Why Univlabs Was Born For decades, Indian hospitals have relied on imported or refurbished surgical equipment that is expensive, outdated, and often ill-suited to local needs. Surgeons have adapted, while patients have paid the price. Sunil Singh, who has spent years designing electronic products in automotive, consumer, and surgical domain at global companies, saw a clear opportunity and a solution. India needed its own devices, not just cheaper versions of existing tech, but better, smarter tools made with purpose and a drive. That became the mission and vision behind UnivLabs. Innovation Across Borders Univlabs takes a global approach to innovation while staying grounded in India's realities. The company operates R&D centers in Gurugram, France, and Germany while collaborating with Japanese leaders in imaging. This unique model brings together Indian ingenuity and access to European and Japanese With over 16 patents and recognition from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Univlabs focuses on three core domains: 4K Endo Vision Suite with ICG imaging, Urology Fluid Management devices , and real-time surgical collaboration through the Collaborative Surgical Module (CSM). All products are designed as per international standards with innovation and patient centricity at the core. Designed with Surgeons in Mind UnivLabs builds in collaboration with the people who matter most, surgeons. Its flagship 4K ICG Endo Vision Suite, for example, offers incredible visual clarity, helps reduce fatigue during long procedures, and supports real-time tissue differentiation using fluorescence at fair price enabling widespread adaption of latest technology, The AmSafeX catheter is another standout. Traditional Foley catheters, unchanged for decades, often cause injury when used incorrectly. AmSafeX solves this with visual markers that indicate exactly when it's safe to inflate the balloon, preventing trauma and giving clinicians more confidence with every procedure. These are not incremental improvements. They're deeply thoughtful, problem-solving innovations made for better outcomes. Trusted by India's Best UnivLabs' products are now used in top hospitals and medical colleges across the country. Surgeons across India consistently rate the company's systems highly Dr. Aaml Das from Pondicherry shared his experience: 'Excellent product, great support team. We're already planning to scale up.' UnivLabs products are also gaining traction outside India, with early adoption in regions like Africa. Powered by an Exceptional Team Behind every product is a team that brings together medical insight and deep-tech experience. Sunil Singh leads the way, joined by Co-founder Dr. Anil Mandhani, one of India's foremost urologists. The broader leadership includes veterans from top healthcare and tech companies like Novartis, Kerry Bio Science, Stryker and Karl-Storz. This is a team that combines clinical credibility with a clear focus on execution. And above all, they share a belief that India can lead, not follow, when it comes to MedTech. A Startup with Global Intent Univlabs calls itself a 'startup multinational.' It may be lean and entrepreneurial, but it's already operating in over 20 countries and growing fast. With over 100 percent year-on-year growth, the company is operating in a global market potential worth $22 billion, with a strong focus on India's $2.6 billion share and emerging markets beyond. Its success has already paid dividends—literally. The Ministry of Electronics and IT, an early supporter, has seen a 36-fold return on its investment in the company. Shaping the Future from India Univlabs is not here to be a low-cost alternative to Western brands. It's here to redefine what quality looks like in surgical innovation , and to do it with pride, from India. 'We don't just want to be an Indian alternative to global brands,' says Sunil. 'We want to be the global brand that just happens to be from India.' That's more than a mission. It's a mindset. And in operating rooms across India, it's already changing lives. Looking Ahead The next wave of surgical innovation isn't waiting for permission. It's already underway—in Univlabs' labs and hospitals, led by engineers, surgeons, and visionaries who believe healthcare technology should be smart, accessible, and proudly made in India. Univlabs is building that future, one surgery at a time. Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and ET Healthworld hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content.
News18
22-05-2025
- Health
- News18
Unlikely To See Another Delta-Like Covid Wave Ever, No Need To Panic Over Fresh Surge: Ex-CSIR Chief
Last Updated: Dr Shekhar Mande said hospitalisations and severe symptoms are very unlikely at this stage as the population has developed immunity to the virus It's unlikely that the world will ever see Covid-19 raging and causing deaths like it did before, prominent biologist Dr Shekhar Mande has told News18. After a period of relative calm, Covid-19 infections are once again surging in several Asian regions, including Hong Kong and Singapore, raising alarms about a resurgence of the virus. However, so far, India has remained largely unaffected, with the Union Health Ministry maintaining that the situation is under control. According to Singapore's health ministry, the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in the country has been caused by the LF.7 and NB.1.8 variants—sub lineages of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. Specifically, they are descendants of the JN.1 variant, which itself is a sub lineage of Omicron BA.2.86. 'Omicron was not a deadly strain, and India has already experienced a wave caused by it. There is no need to worry on the medical front. A large part of the population is already double vaccinated," Mande, who is former secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology, said. 'Many people have also been exposed to variants that can escape vaccine protection, yet they have recovered. In my opinion, there is no reason to panic," he said, adding, 'it's highly unlikely that these strains will cause any kind of damage similar to what we have seen during the Delta wave." During the Omicron wave, Mande recalled that India did not see a surge in hospitalisations. 'We don't expect one now with the new strains either. Certain mutations have occurred in JN.1, but it's still unclear whether they have increased its infectivity. So far, its spread has not resulted in a rise in hospitalisations or deaths. Hence, based on the latest observations, there's no reason to panic." Mande, who is also a former Director General of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), believes that India should ramp up its genomic sequencing of viruses in circulation. 'There is a strong case for active surveillance of new variants. Even the WHO would want to know if a Variant of Concern (VOC) is emerging." Generally, the sequencing is done from random samples taken from Covid-19 positive patients admitted to hospitals. Current status of Covid-19 According to government data, India had 257 active Covid-19 cases nationwide as of May 19. Kerala leads with 69 cases, followed by Maharashtra (44) and Tamil Nadu (34). Other states, including Karnataka, Gujarat, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Sikkim, have also reported fresh infections. However, according to Mande, the states reporting higher number of cases does not necessarily mean that they have more cases. 'It just shows that their surveillance mechanisms are well-oiled." 'Kerala has always had strong surveillance. Even during the Delta wave, it was among the first to report cases." However, he said, many cases across the country go unreported. 'People often don't come forward for testing, as symptoms tend to subside within a few days. Because of this, the average person may not consider testing necessary." When asked if people should go for Covid-19 testing once again, he replied, 'if desirable. Get tested if needed but testing decisions should ideally be made with a doctor's guidance." Not much evidence on booster shots 'Regardless of the vaccine type—Moderna, Pfizer, inactivated vaccines like Covaxin, or adenovirus-based Covishield vaccine—we currently do not have sufficient data on whether boosters are helpful, or whether immunity has waned to the point that boosters are needed," he said. 'While some attempts have been made to gather this data, there is no conclusive evidence yet. So, the final word on boosters is still pending." On being asked if humans are at risk of acquiring Covid-19 infections once again due to weakening immunity, Mande explained that 'currently, it is not well-characterised whether our cell-based (T-cell) immunity has declined significantly or not". 'A significant decline in immunity is unlikely. T-cell immunity doesn't wane that quickly." Can Covid-19 become lethal, once again? Most likely, no. In 2020, when we first encountered this virus, Mande said, 'our bodies had no prior exposure and reacted strongly, leading to complications. Now, after being exposed to multiple variants, our population has developed a better immune response. It's highly unlikely that our bodies would now hyper-react". As a result, he said, 'hospitalisations and severe symptoms are very unlikely at this stage." He further added 'In general, with most viruses, the first infection tends to be more severe. Over time, infections usually become milder. This pattern has been seen with influenza as well." However, new strains can always emerge. 'For example, SARS-CoV-1 was mostly seen in eastern countries and didn't affect India much. With SARS-CoV-2, we might continue to see mutations and periodic outbreaks of milder variants — similar to how new flu strains appear during the rainy season." 'But it's unlikely that they will cause the kind of damage we saw during the Delta or first wave." What should public do? 'What we have learned from science is that this virus is airborne," he said, explaining that as we speak or cough, we release aerosols—tiny particles, 5 to 10 microns in size—that can trap the virus and float in the air. 'Others can inhale them and get infected." People with symptoms should avoid mingling with others to prevent spreading the virus. Also, ventilation plays a very important role. 'In densely populated areas, if everyone wears a mask, it can significantly reduce the chances of transmission during inhaling and exhaling." Hence, he advices to 'wear masks, especially in crowded areas. Also avoid gatherings, if symptomatic and stay home if sick, to avoid infecting others." Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : coronavirus Council of Scientific and Industrial Research covid-19 delta variant news18 specials omicron Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 22, 2025, 10:19 IST News india Unlikely To See Another Delta-Like Covid Wave Ever, No Need To Panic Over Fresh Surge: Ex-CSIR Chief
