For Abbott’s vascular business in the country, the statistic showing zooming heart diseases in India is now the central organising principle of its strategy
Tushar Sharma, managing director and general manager for Abbott’s vascular business in India and South Asia, said India is a priority market. (Image: AP/File)
American medical devices major, Abbott, is narrowing the gap between global and India product rollouts as heart disease strikes younger Indians, the company’s India chief told News18.
“India is facing an urgent cardiovascular health challenge, accounting for nearly 60% of global heart disease cases, with a growing proportion affecting people under 40,” said Tushar Sharma, managing director and general manager for Abbott’s vascular business in India and South Asia.
Sharma said India is a priority market for Abbott, adding that their focus is on ensuring timely access to “most advanced, life‑changing cardiovascular technologies”.
“Over the past few years, we have significantly narrowed the gap between global, and India launches, reflecting the importance of the country in Abbott’s cardiovascular strategy,” he said.
He claimed that recent introductions such as Navitor Vision for transcatheter aortic valve replacement, latest AI‑enabled OCT platforms, AVEIR leadless pacemakers, and the newest generation XIENCE drug‑eluting stents are strong examples of this commitment.
“We remain committed to continue bringing meaningful, differentiated cardiovascular innovations to India as early as possible, helping physicians manage increasingly complex cardiac conditions and improving access to high‑quality care,” he said.
According to published studies, cardiovascular diseases are responsible for one in four deaths in India, and over 60% of heart disease deaths occur prematurely. India accounts for one-fifth of global CVD-related deaths, particularly among the younger population.
WHAT IS ABBOTT’S INDIA STRATEGY?
For Abbott’s vascular business in the country, the statistic showing zooming heart diseases in India is now the central organising principle of its strategy in the country.
“This early onset combined with high rates of diabetes, hypertension, and lifestyle-related risk factors makes timely diagnosis and intervention more critical than ever,” Sharma said.
He said the company’s response is built on three pillars: earlier detection through AI-enabled diagnostics, faster access to minimally invasive technologies, and pushing beyond metros into smaller cities and towns through connected care platforms.
First, he said, “we are shifting focus toward earlier detection, using advanced diagnostics and AI-enabled insights to help clinicians intervene sooner and more precisely”.
“Second, we are accelerating access to next-generation, minimally invasive technologies that allow patients to be treated effectively with faster recovery and better long-term outcomes. Third, we are working to expand access beyond metros, using connected care and scalable technologies,” he added.
CATH LAB TO BACK HOME, SAME DAY
Beyond new devices, Abbott is also reframing what recovery looks like for cardiac patients in India. After procedures like angiography or stenting, patients traditionally had to lie flat for hours while manual pressure was applied to stop bleeding at the entry point – a process that was uncomfortable and extended hospital stays.
“Today, Abbott’s vessel closure devices allow doctors to securely seal the vessel immediately after the procedure,” Sharma said. “As a result, patients can move sooner, experience less discomfort, and are often able to go home the same day.”
The shift toward minimally invasive care also opens treatment to patients who previously had few options – the elderly, or those living with diabetes, kidney disease, or other comorbidities for whom open-heart surgery would carry prohibitive risk.
“Abbott’s minimally invasive technologies allow doctors to treat these patients through small access points, without opening the chest,” he said.
INDIA AS LONG-TERM PARTNER, NOT JUST MARKET
Abbott has operated in India for more than 115 years and runs two pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, a nutrition manufacturing facility, and an innovation and development centre that serves as a global hub for more than 30 countries.
But Sharma is careful to frame India’s role in terms that go beyond manufacturing. “Our commitment to India goes far beyond manufacturing – we are investing in talent, technology, and infrastructure to strengthen a healthcare ecosystem that delivers innovation, access, and impact at scale,” he said.
That includes paediatric applications. Abbott’s Piccolo device, designed to address structural heart conditions in the smallest patients, reflects what he described as the company’s focus on “addressing critical unmet needs – particularly in paediatric care – by adapting advanced technologies for even the smallest patients”.
Looking ahead, Sharma signalled that investment in India is unlikely to plateau. “India will continue to play an increasingly central role in Abbott’s global cardiovascular strategy – not just as a market, but as a long-term partner in innovation and impact,” he said.
He added: “We are open to further strategic investments to strengthen local capabilities and deepen our cardiovascular leadership. Our focus is clear: to scale meaningful cardiovascular innovations that address real needs and expand access to advanced care for people in India.”
April 06, 2026, 07:00 IST
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