The CTC complements Covidien's other operations in China, which include 10 commercial offices, a manufacturing center and training facilities for healthcare professionals. The Covidien Clinical Institute (CCI) offers training for healthcare professionals on the safe and effective use of the latest medical devices and procedures, advancing clinicians' expertise and improving patient outcomes. Additionally, partnership programs with leading academic institutions in China help Covidien nurture young talent and gather fresh ideas for the advancement of the medical device industry.

"This fusion of expertise among healthcare professionals, students, scientists and engineers will be further reinforced by the cutting-edge capabilities of our new R&D facility, bridging clinical knowledge, market understanding and technical innovation," added Mr Wu.

Underpinning Covidien's commitment to developing healthcare in China is the Company's alignment of its plans with the Chinese government's healthcare agenda, outlined in the 12th Five-Year Plan. Training at the CCI aligns with healthcare reforms to ensure that medical devices are used safely and effectively as part of healthcare infrastructure improvement. The capabilities of the new R&D facility address the healthcare reform objective of strengthening product technology to improve patient outcomes.

"The Chinese Healthcare industry is on a fast track of development. The Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Science and Technology all launched specific policies to boost the medical device industry - and the key word is innovation. We are looking forward to Covidien providing more innovative technology and products to meet the local market demand," said Mr. Wang Xin Pei, the Deputy Director of Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, at Covidien's opening ceremony.