Inside BPL MedTech 2.0: Reinventing a Legacy Brand Through Digital Health & AI

Few names in Indian healthcare carry the legacy of BPL, a brand that pioneered indigenous ECG machines in 1967. Today, the company stands at another turning point, transforming from a trusted medical device maker into a connected digital health solutions provider. With AI, local manufacturing, and affordability at its core, BPL MedTech is redefining what “Made in India” means for the next decade of healthcare innovation.

In an exclusive conversation with Digital Health News (DHN), Mr. Guruswamy Krishnamoorthy, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), BPL Medical Technologies, shares how the legacy brand is reinventing itself through AI-driven innovation, digital transformation, and affordable healthcare solutions built for India and beyond.

BPL is a household name in India, especially remembered for introducing the country’s first in-house ECG machine back in 1967. How do you balance this legacy while staying relevant in today’s fast-evolving medtech landscape?

Introducing India’s first indigenous ECG machine in 1967 was a defining milestone and continues to inspire us. For us at BPL MedTech, legacy is not just about looking back but about building forward.

We leverage the trust and credibility built over decades while staying agile and future-ready through continuous R&D, new product introductions, and digital health innovations. This balance between heritage and innovation is what keeps us relevant in today’s rapidly evolving medtech ecosystem

BPL Medical Technologies just completed 12 years in its current form. What is the company’s biggest inflection point in this journey so far?

Since 2013, BPL Medical Technologies has grown steadily, but the true inflection point came when we strengthened our R&D and manufacturing base in India.

The decision to design and produce “Made in India” solutions at scale was transformative. It positioned us as a credible domestic leader while opening new opportunities in exports and partnerships, helping us accelerate growth.

Can you share specific areas where BPL has gained a competitive edge through local manufacturing?

Our advanced facilities in Bengaluru and Palakkad give us complete control over the value chain, from design to quality testing. By producing locally, we are able to customize devices for Indian demographics, ensure affordability, and reduce dependence on imports.

ECG machines, patient monitors, and X-ray systems are great examples of products engineered specifically for Indian conditions, which gives us a clear edge in pricing, usability, and long-term sustainability.

Do you see India truly emerging as a global hub for medtech manufacturing, or are there systemic gaps that still need to be addressed?

India has the potential to truly emerge as a global medtech hub, backed by its strong talent base, manufacturing capabilities, and government initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.

At the same time, there are systemic challenges that need attention, such as harmonizing regulations, strengthening the supply chain, and sustaining higher levels of R&D investment. Encouragingly, new measures are being introduced, including the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma MedTech (PRIP) Scheme, which aims to boost R&D, and the Strengthening of Medical Device Industry (SMDI) Scheme, which supports clinical studies and industry advancements. With this continued policy support and industry focus, India is well-positioned to become a key player in the global medtech supply chain.

BPL has hinted at expanding its R&D focus, including AI-enabled medical devices. Could you share what categories or devices we can expect AI integration in first?

AI is going to be a key enabler in our future roadmap. We are initially focusing on diagnostic and monitoring devices where AI can make the most immediate impact.

For example, AI-enabled imaging systems such as X-rays are areas where we see significant scope to enhance accuracy, reduce clinician workload, and enable faster clinical decision-making.

How does BPL approach balancing affordability and cutting-edge innovation, especially for markets like rural India?

For us, affordability and innovation are not contradictory goals. By designing in India for India, we ensure world-class technology is accessible at price points that work for both urban and rural healthcare providers.

Our focus in rural healthcare has been on portable, easy-to-use devices that don’t compromise on quality but remain cost-effective, ensuring that advanced medical technology reaches the last mile.

With more medtech companies moving into digital health, where does BPL see itself?

We have already entered the digital health ecosystem with the launch of BPL iCare OT, a state-of-the-art OT charting software application that automates OT documentation process and improves efficiency.

Furthermore, our upcoming digital solutions in radiology and ICU care will extend these benefits across departments, enabling hospitals to seamlessly integrate patient data, enhance clinical decision-making, and optimize resource utilization.

These innovations are part of our larger vision to build a fully connected care ecosystem, where technology supports clinicians at every step of the patient journey while driving better outcomes and operational excellence.

Data is becoming as important as devices. Does BPL have plans to create its own digital ecosystem around your hardware, or will you remain primarily a device manufacturer?

Devices will always remain at the core of our business, but we have moved beyond being only a device provider. We are steadily building a digital health ecosystem that complements our hardware and addresses the evolving needs of hospitals and caregivers.

We’ve recently introduced BPL iCare OT, which streamlines operating theatre workflows. Building on this, we are working on other AI-integrated models, which will extend the same benefits of remote monitoring, data integration, and advanced analytics into intensive care and radiology departments.

With these solutions, our vision is to ensure that our devices are not standalone units but part of an integrated digital ecosystem that improves clinical outcomes and makes healthcare delivery smarter and more efficient.

The Indian medtech market is growing at nearly 15% annually, and several startups are emerging alongside global players. How does BPL differentiate itself in such a competitive landscape?

Our differentiation lies in three things; heritage of trust built over five decades, one of the strongest service networks in the country, and a balanced portfolio that caters to both premium hospitals and cost-sensitive rural markets. This combination of scale, trust, and accessibility is not easy to replicate and sets us apart in a crowded market.

You’ve built one of the largest service networks in the country. Is this an under-appreciated advantage when competing with newer medtech entrants?

Yes, it is often an under-appreciated advantage. While newer medtech entrants may bring products, building a strong service backbone takes years of commitment and investment. At BPL MedTech, we are not just supplying medical devices, we act as a reliable partner to hospitals and healthcare providers.

If any issue arises post-purchase, our extensive service network, backed by trained engineers and trusted channel partners, ensures quick support. This ability to stand by our customers consistently across the country gives us a distinct edge in the market and reinforces why so many institutions continue to rely on us.

What are the next 2–3 product categories or solutions that will define BPL Medical Technologies in the coming decade?

The next decade for BPL Medical Technologies will be defined by AI-driven diagnostic and monitoring solutions, advanced imaging technologies such as ultrasound and X-ray systems, and connected devices that bring digital health into both home and hospital care. These categories will shape our future portfolio and growth strategy.

BPL MedTech has long been trusted by leading healthcare institutions across India for our reliable medical devices and strong service support. Building on this legacy, we have already introduced BPL iCare OT and are soon extending the ecosystem with digital solutions in radiology and ICU care. With this digital ecosystem, we are confidently moving from being a trusted device provider to delivering an integrated digital health ecosystem, combining our hardware expertise with smart, connected solutions.

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