British Deputy High Commission Mumbai-facilitated visit showcases Microbira’s rapid microbial testing technology and opportunities for India–Scotland collaboration
Mumbai, 29 October 2026: Agilus Diagnostics hosted the Rt Hon Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for Scotland, and an accompanying Scottish delegation at its Goregaon facility in Mumbai. Facilitated by the British Deputy High Commission Mumbai, the visit showcased Agilus’s laboratory capabilities and explored opportunities for collaboration in diagnostic technology and research.
The programme included an overview of Agilus’s business and laboratory network, discussions on Edinburgh-based Microbira Limited’s plans for India, a demonstration of its rapid microbial testing technology and a walkthrough of Agilus’s Microbiology Department, where the technology is installed.
Rapid microbial testing can help identify microorganisms responsible for infections and detect antimicrobial resistance (AMR), supporting more timely and informed treatment decisions.
Mr Vijender Singh, MD & CEO, Agilus Diagnostics, said: “India’s diagnostics sector presents significant opportunities for growth and innovation. Engagements with international technology companies can help bring advanced capabilities to India and assess their relevance to local healthcare needs. This visit was an opportunity to showcase Agilus’s capabilities and explore potential areas of collaboration.”
The Scotland Office has highlighted a potential £10 million export opportunity for Microbira in the Indian diagnostics market. This reflects the potential for UK diagnostic technology companies to expand their presence in India. The commercial scope of any potential collaboration involving Agilus Diagnostics, including investment commitments, has not been finalised.
The Rt Hon Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for Scotland, said: “India and Scotland have an opportunity to work together on antimicrobial resistance through research and innovation. The visit to Agilus Diagnostics showcased the potential of rapid microbial testing technology and the scope for collaboration to help tackle infections faster.”
Dr Deepak Sanghavi, Senior Vice President Operations & Chief of Mumbai Reference Lab, Agilus Diagnostics said: “The visit enabled us to showcase our microbiology capabilities and discuss the potential of emerging technologies. Collaboration with international innovators can help evaluate solutions that meet clinical needs while maintaining the quality and operational rigour required for diagnostic testing at scale.”
Separately, Agilus Diagnostics hosted nine UK diagnostics companies at its Goregaon facility on 26 October 2026 under the UK–India Diagnostic Cohort programme, providing an opportunity to showcase its laboratory capabilities and explore potential areas of collaboration.
Through such engagements, Agilus Diagnostics aims to strengthen dialogue with international technology innovators and explore opportunities to advance diagnostic capabilities in India.
Doctors Qualifications & Registration Details: (Dr Deepak Sanghavi, MD Path, PGDHCM, Senior Vice President Operations & Chief of Mumbai Reference Lab, Agilus Diagnostics (MMC 1530)
About Agilus Diagnostics (A subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Ltd.)Instituted in 1995, Agilus Diagnostics Ltd. provides diagnostic services across India through a network of laboratories and service touchpoints. Agilus Diagnostics has a network of 410+ labs, 3700+ customer touch points, and 12000+ direct clients/pick up points spread across 1000+ cities, 25 states and five union territories in India as of March 31, 2023. The company has recently undergone a brand transformation journey and has adopted a new name Agilus Diagnostics. Agilus is a portmanteau of ‘Agile’ and ‘Us’ and is inspired from the Latin term ‘agilis’ which means ‘agility’. Agilus offers more than 3,000 tests and test combinations, ranging from routine tests to esoteric and genetic tests. The company has the largest number of NABL accredited labs in the country as of March 31, 2023 (Source: CRISIL Report) with 43 NABL accredited labs, 3 NABL M(EL)T certified labs and 2 CAP accredited labs. Its international network consists of centers across the SAARC region, Sub-Saharan Africa, South-East Asia and the Middle East. Agilus is committed to research and development and focused on genomics and ‘next-generation diagnostics’ and delivering a customer-centric experience through integrated and seamless technology platforms and data-driven actionable insights.