TORRANCE, Calif., July 28 /PRNewswire/ -- iCRco and Shanghai Ascent Medical Equipment Technologies have created a strategic partnership through which Shanghai will distribute and service iCRco’s computed radiography systems in the People’s Republic of China. Shanghai will also act as iCRco’s agent to obtain Chinese regulatory approval.
“This represents a great opportunity,” said Steve Haas, vice president of sales and marketing of iCRco. “Shanghai Ascent Medical has the expertise and capabilities to help iCRco expand throughout China. It will be a strong partner.”
China’s centrally run healthcare system is converting to digital technology at a faster rate than U.S. hospitals. According to Haas, only about 15 percent of U.S. hospitals have adopted digital technology; many simply lack money for capital improvements.
“In South Korea, market penetration is about 80 percent and we think China -- the largest market in the world -- has the same potential,” he said. “This is a very exciting time.”
According to Haas, the simplicity of iCRco’s computed radiography systems will make it an attractive choice in the Chinese market, which includes both technologically advanced medical centers in the country’s larger cities and rural clinics that operate in rugged environments. The units’ simple design, intuitive user interface, flat scan path, low maintenance and competitive pricing make them particularly good choices for clinics and smaller hospitals.
According to Eddy Ye, vice president of business development for Ascent Medical, iCRco’s entry into the Chinese market will represent the first time that country’s health care professionals have had access to computed radiography technology that is both affordable and of high quality.
“iCRco’s computed radiography solutions have the right attributes of quality, simplicity and low cost,” he said. “We have great confidence in iCRco as our product partner.”
According to Ye, approval by the Chinese State Drug Administration (SDA) -- the Chinese equivalent of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration -- will take about four months. Product shipments are expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2004. Shanghai Ascent Medical will exhibit the iCRco computed radiography systems at the 52nd China International Medical Equipment Autumn Exhibition in November 2004.
iCRco, Inc. -- the Intelligent CR Company -- is a leading global healthcare computed radiography and film digitizer company. Founded in 1990 as RDI, the company initially focused on developing innovative film scanner and CR solutions for the general medical market. In 2004, RDI was acquired by iCRco Inc. and expanded its mission to address the wide range of digital projection radiography applications. To date, more than 1,700 film scanners and CR systems have been installed in more than 40 countries. For more information on iCRco and its products and services, visit http://www.icrcompany.com/ or call 310-921-9559.
Shanghai Ascent Medical Equipment Technologies Co. Ltd., which includes its U.S. division, Ascent Medical Systems Corp., is a medical equipment distribution and technical service company. The company also exports medical equipment manufactured in China. For information about iCRco products in China, contact Shanghai Ascent Medical Equipment Technologies at 86-21-54256192 (phone) or 86-21-54256193 (FAX)
For more information, please contact Steve Haas, Vice President, Sales and Marketing of iCRco, Inc., +1-310-921-9559.
iCRco, Inc.; Shanghai Ascent Medical Equipment Technologies Co. Ltd.
CONTACT: Steve Haas, Vice President, Sales and Marketing of iCRco, Inc.,+1-310-921-9559
Web site: http://www.icrcompany.com/
