Omega Diagnostics Group, a Scottish based company has inaugurated their first green-field manufacturing facility at the International Biotech Park, MIDC Phase II, Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjewadi, Pune. With an investment of $0.9 million, the company estimates that it could be employing up to 50 people, including high quality positions in production management and technical/ Quality Control roles in the next 12 months.

Omega's facility in Pune will initially concentrate on two rapid diagnostic tests (RDT), Visitect CD4 - licensed from the Burnet Institute ("Burnet") in Melbourne, Australia. Visitect CD4 is used for staging and monitoring HIV patients and Visitect Malaria. These high-quality, cost-effective point-of-care diagnostic tests are aimed to improve access, especially for rural patients, and to reduce patient loss to follow-up in India.

Speaking on this occasion, Mr Andrew Shepherd, CEO, Omega Diagnostics Group PLC said, "Having been active in India since 1992, and with the Indian healthcare market growing rapidly over recent years, the move to establish a manufacturing base in India is a logical and exciting step forward for Omega Diagnostics Group PLC. Building on the establishment of our sales and marketing office in 2011 we see the potential for major growth, not just in the Indian domestic market but also the opportunity to export products produced in Pune to our global distribution network which covers over 100 countries."

Ms Rooma Kr. Bussi, country director Scottish Development International India, also present at the event said, "India is a significant growth market for Scotland, and we see tremendous potential for Scottish companies to achieve product cutsomisation and efficiencies by manufacturing in the country. Healthcare is a priority sector for India and Scottish companies are capable of offering innovative and cost effective solutions most suited to the Indian market. I am delighted with this investment by Omega and keen to see more Scottish companies supporting the PM's investor focussed 'Make in India' campaign. I am sure Scotland and India can collaborate on a much higher scale to boost the overall economic growth of both countries."

Omega Diagnostics currently employ 19 people in India including representatives based in the main metropolitan cities. It has a warehouse for distribution of products across India with sub-distributor network of over a 100 distributors offering technical and customer service support to the Indian market.