Date of Award
2022
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design
Specialization
Fashion Merchandising
Department
Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design
First Advisor
Ji Hye Kang
Abstract
Medical textiles are specialty fabrics and products doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers use. These include bandages, surgical gowns, hospital sheets, artificial hearts, and hernia meshes. India has been a global textile manufacturing hub and has recently shifted its focus to medical textile/ textile products. However, there is no clear understanding of the basic structure of the Indian medical textile product industry related types of companies involved and their interactions with each other. The information about the industry needs to include categorization and depth, and there is no value chain-related information. A well-integrated value chain improves efficiency and effectiveness, which could lead to a sustained competitive advantage for the Indian medical textile product industry.
The study aims to identify- 1) the structure and activities of the companies which are part of the Indian medical textile product value chain, 2) the challenges they face that prevent them from attaining their full potential, and 3) what changes can help these companies overcome them. This study interviewed medical textile/textile product manufacturers and medical textile/ textile products industry experts. The interview data brought first-hand information on the challenges faced by the companies in the medical textile/ textile products industry. Furthermore, it also provided information on what they feel will help them overcome the hurdles they face in running their businesses.
From the interview data, this study identified six sequential stages for the Indian medical textile products industry: (1) research and development, (2) manufacturing, (3) distribution, (4) agency, (5) market, and (6) retailer. The study identified three constraints faced by the Indian medical textile/ textile products manufacturers: (1) a highly competitive market with price-sensitive products, (2) a lack of standards, and (3) a lack of government support. Based on the interview analysis and intense literature review, this study suggests two approaches to overcome the constraints: internal at the company level and external at the national level.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Parab, Poonam, "THE STRUCTURE, CONSTRAINTS, AND SUGGESTIONS OF THE INDIAN MEDICAL TEXTILE PRODUCT INDUSTRY WITH A FOCUS ON FABRIC MANUFACTURERS" (2022). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 2296.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses/2296