This is related to the fee structure of training courses that I wrote about recently. We had done a market survey of the mannequins available; without compromising on the quality, we got the 'best' mannequins. They were imported; we were aware of the 'running' costs. We were told that the central vein mannequin would take about a 100 punctures before the 'bladder' had to be replaced at a cost of Rs. 8500=00. Each puncture would cost Rs. 80=00 - pricey but acceptable. The bladder actually conked out after 20 punctures - costing each puncture a whopping Rs. 400=00!! The sales people contest the figure of 100 puncture now!!
This brings us to two larger issues.
Generally equipment is sold aggressively; many times with information that varies from a complete untruth to half truths to omission of important information. Every single thing cannot be taken in writing; even if we do, redressal of a grievance in the legal system is untenable in this country with the costs in time and money that is involved. And, when it comes to servicing, all sorts of problems come up - not picking up phones, not keeping appointments, not committing to deadlines etc. We have seen this pattern in various fields ranging from mobile phone to laparoscopic equipment sale!!How do we change this culture?
The second issue is one of manufacturing these equipment locally. Costs can be contained by doing this. There is a singular lack of enthusiasm from industrialists in this regard. They cite lack of demand as a reason. Huge economies have been built by Japan, Korea and China by reverse engineering. Why can we not do this? Why can we not at least manufacture the consumables? Why do we have to look for big profits in every endeavour? I believe that rubber / plastic manufacturers can easily make the consumables in the mannequins. While the demand for this may not be great, they will at least sell enough to break even.
We really need to think about this in this country.
This brings us to two larger issues.
Generally equipment is sold aggressively; many times with information that varies from a complete untruth to half truths to omission of important information. Every single thing cannot be taken in writing; even if we do, redressal of a grievance in the legal system is untenable in this country with the costs in time and money that is involved. And, when it comes to servicing, all sorts of problems come up - not picking up phones, not keeping appointments, not committing to deadlines etc. We have seen this pattern in various fields ranging from mobile phone to laparoscopic equipment sale!!How do we change this culture?
The second issue is one of manufacturing these equipment locally. Costs can be contained by doing this. There is a singular lack of enthusiasm from industrialists in this regard. They cite lack of demand as a reason. Huge economies have been built by Japan, Korea and China by reverse engineering. Why can we not do this? Why can we not at least manufacture the consumables? Why do we have to look for big profits in every endeavour? I believe that rubber / plastic manufacturers can easily make the consumables in the mannequins. While the demand for this may not be great, they will at least sell enough to break even.
We really need to think about this in this country.
