After five intensive days in Delhi we had our last day in India’s capital. We almost missed the company visit of Zimmer, because for some members of the delegation, the early morning presented a slight challenge.
Zimmer operates in the health care sector and prides itself as a specialist for medical devices such as aluminium splints and artificial joints. The Indian head office is located in Cybercity, a modern district of Gurgaon, a city near New Delhi. The office of Zimmer, where we have been welcomed with tea and cookies, was modern and elegant. Zimmer’s purpose is to restore mobility. We were privileged to have Mr. Sanjay Banerjee, the Managing Director of Zimmer India, present some key facts about this fascinating company. Mr. Banerjee spent time interacting with the Focus India delegates to be able to address their wishes in his presentation. He skilfully tailored his delivery to deal with the delegate’s enquiries and areas of interest. Indeed, all questions were answered.
In his presentation Mr. Banerjee highlighted some of the challenges facing the healthcare sector in India. He started with some interesting facts:
- 4.2% of India’s GDP comes from the health care industry; furthermore 80% of this sector’s GDP is generated by the private sector.
- About 70% of the health care turnover comes from “private pocket”. Only the remaining 30% is provided to the patient.
There are about 50’000 hospitals in India, of which some are governmentally managed with about 1000 beds and a good quality of service. On the other hand, there are many smaller hospitals with an average of around 20 beds, where quality can be more variable. The quality products of Zimmer are used in around hundred surgeries per day, which have to be carried out in a short time-period. Consequently, Zimmer has optimised its supply-chain.
The final part of the presentation turned to the dynamic nature of Human Resources in this sector in India, which included a discussion about the HR requirements of well-educated and experienced employees. Zimmer’s renowned in-company training policy is admired by many of their competitors; high attrition rates can be a challenge. In addition the geographical location of Delhi can be so attractive that potential employees may not be willing to travel to other parts of India.
Our Focus India delegation is now looking forward to our passage through India as we travel to Bangalore. The long trip is worth it, because Focus India is looking forward to visiting exciting companies.
Nils Frey / Peter Byland
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