Continuing its years-long effort to expand in emerging markets, Covidien ($COV) has cut the ribbon on a training center in Turkey, planning to educate local clinicians and amp up the demand for its products in the country.
The Istanbul facility is replete with surgical suites, an ICU lab, patient-simulation technology and an auditorium that seats more than 100 people, capacity Covidien said will help it train about 5,000 physicians and surgeons each year. The center will focus on procedures that treat some of Turkey's most widespread health concerns, the company said, initially focusing on vascular disease, metabolic disorders and COPD.
Beyond its training ground, the new shop will also function as an R&D outpost for Covidien, inviting Turkish healthcare pros to give feedback on products and help the company better serve the market, Emerging Markets President Mats Eklof said.
"This center is designed to enhance physician capabilities in a way that meets the unique needs of the local market, ultimately giving patients in Turkey greater access to advanced procedures and care," Eklof said in a statement. "On top of that, our R&D engineers will observe, listen and work closely with health care professionals to uncover opportunities for locally tailored solutions that address unmet needs in Turkey and the broader emerging markets."
The new center is Covidien's fourth in a global effort to get boots on the ground in emerging markets, following facilities in Shanghai, China; Mumbai, India; and Osong, South Korea. The company said it's looking to stand up a similar shop in São Paulo, Brazil, later this year.
And Covidien's efforts are paying off: The company's emerging markets revenue leapt 10% in the 6 months ended March 28, led by 14% growth in its banner surgical solutions business and a 6% boost in vascular sales.
- read the statement