Fosun International, a Shanghai-based healthcare unit, has achieved a significant milestone in making advanced medical technology more accessible to Chinese patients. The company has successfully completed its first locally built Da Vinci surgical robot and is ready to deliver it to an undisclosed client. This achievement comes over a year after Fosun Pharma, the pharmaceutical group of Fosun International, partnered with Intuitive Surgical, based in California, to establish a research and production base in Shanghai.
While Fosun Pharma has already delivered 360 imported Da Vinci robots to local clients, the completion of the first locally built robot marks a major breakthrough. By producing the robots domestically, Fosun International aims to reduce costs and make advanced medical technology more affordable for Chinese patients.
The Da Vinci surgical system, known for its application in complex, minimally-invasive surgeries, allows surgeons to operate from a console. With over 10 million surgeries performed using the Da Vinci system, it has proven to yield better results and faster patient recoveries.
China’s ambition to localize the production of high-end medical devices aligns with its Made in China 2025 industrial strategy. The goal is to have 70% of mid-tier to high-end medical devices used in China made domestically by 2025, increasing to 95% by 2030. Currently, international companies like General Electric and Siemens dominate the high-value medical devices market in China.
The introduction of domestically produced Da Vinci surgical robots not only addresses the increasing demand for world-class medical devices in China but also provides a substantial opportunity for growth. As the middle-class consumer base becomes more health-conscious, the demand for advanced medical technology like the Da Vinci robots continues to rise.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is the Da Vinci surgical system?
A: The Da Vinci surgical system is a robotic apparatus made by Intuitive Surgical, based in California. It allows surgeons to perform complex, minimally-invasive surgeries from a console.
Q: What is China’s Made in China 2025 industrial strategy?
A: China’s Made in China 2025 industrial strategy aims to localize the production of mid-tier to high-end medical devices. The goal is to have 70% of these devices made domestically by 2025 and 95% by 2030.
Q: How many Da Vinci surgical robots has Fosun International delivered to local clients?
A: Fosun International’s pharmaceutical group, Fosun Pharma, has delivered 360 imported Da Vinci robots to local clients.
Source: South China Morning Post (SCMP) – URL TBC