Bangladesh was the first South Asian country to introduce FCR in 2002 with FCR XG-1 (also known as the SmartCR) and the DRYPIX 1000 thermal imager. In its introduction of these products, it opened a new era of x-ray digitization in the South Asian region.

Huge potential for the CR (Computed Radiography) market was anticipated in this densely populated region. With a strong marketing effort of the Bangladesh distributor Graphic Machinery & Equipment Ltd. (GME), one of the oldest distributors in Asia, the introduction created a excitement in the regional market. The whole region picked up the FCR and DRYPIX concept quickly and Bangladesh has since installed 250 FCR readers, GME’s efforts resulted in 80% of the total market today, despite a highly competitive market.

Subsequent introductions of the Capsula (also known as Carbon) series and the recent introduction of PRIMA product lines to the market have expanded the clinical capabilities across the market, making it the preferred choice for multiple applications. It is expected that the installation base will grow to over 100 FCR installations in the next year.

Bangladesh, like other Asian countries, is experiencing a growth spurt in healthcare, which is spurring rapid digitization in the imaging sector. To keep the pace with this fast growing market, Fujifilm & GME have taken several initiatives to maintain and increase customer satisfaction.

Fujifilm and GME regularly participate in the major medical exhibition of Bangladesh, called the MedExpo. During the Expo, they continue to sponsor seminars for the radiologists, radiographers & prospective customers to promote their products.

PACS implementation is very low in this market mainly due to inadequate network infrastructure. Unlike many other parts of the world, diagnosis is still dependent on film because of dominance of imaging centers. Fujifilm is implementing its first Synapse installation at Chevron Clinical Laboratory Pvt. Ltd. at Chittagong.

Even though most of the high-end hospitals have already accepted digital imaging with FCR & DRYPIX, the release of Fujifilm’s new FDR D-EVO flat panel detector, which requires 510(k) clearance by FDA and is not yet available for sale in the US, later this year is expected to further expand and evolve this market. The Bangladesh government supports the transition to digital x-ray in government hospitals. It is expected that more and more government hospitals see the advantages of CR or DR digital imaging in the coming future.