MedTech startup UE LifeSciences on Thursday announced its partnership with GE Healthcare to distribute its handheld medical device iBreaseExam (iBE) in over 25 countries across South Asia, South-East Asia and Africa.
UE LifeSciences has designed and developed the device specifically for large scale use in the developing world.
Mihir Shah, founder and CEO of UE LifeSciences, said, "One in 28 women gets diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, and 5-year survival rate is a poor 52% in India. This mobile breast health solution is designed for use by primary health workers, obstetricians and gynecologists to identify breast abnormalities."
The cost of the device is Rs 5-6 lakh. GE Healthcare will take this device across to enable early detection of breast cancer. In partnership with private healthcare, government institutions and non-profits, so far, over 75,000 women have been screened.
"We are partnering with J&K government and also Rajasthan government, and will be screening women. As part of our partnership with the Maharashtra government, we have screened 50,000 women there," said Shah.
The device is currently available in India, Myanmar and Botswana. Terri Bresenham, President and CEO of Sustainable Healthcare Solutions said, "GE Healthcare will begin selling iBE as part of its global portfolio of breast health and affordable care products, including mammography and ultrasound devices."