Coronavirus threat: Medical device firms see opportunity with rising demand

But drug firms brace for supply disruptions

Sumit Marwa, owner of Bengaluru-based Dispoline India, makers of single-use items used in the health care sector (especially hospitals), has seen a 15-fold surge in enquiries for masks. His sales have soared by four to five times. 

As fear grips the world, demand for protective gear used by health care professionals and citizens is on a rise. And, supply disruption from China has opened a window of opportunities for Indian medical device makers. 

Marwa gets masks made on contract and he think the total market for masks in this country runs into billions of units. At present, there is specific