Government To Launch New Scheme To Boost Indian Medical Device Sector, Says Pharmaceuticals Secretary

The Indian government is working on a new scheme aimed at strengthening the medical device sector and reducing import dependence, according to Dr. Arunish Chawla, Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers. Speaking at the ‘MediTech Stackathon-II 2024,’ organised by FICCI in collaboration with the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Chawla highlighted the success of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes in the sector and discussed the next steps beyond these initiatives.

“The government recently approved the Medical Devices policy, and this new scheme will support the industry as we move forward,” Dr Chawla stated. He explained that the proposed scheme will focus on five key areas: common facilities for medical device clusters, capacity building and skill development, a marginal investment scheme to reduce import dependence, support for clinical trials, and a medical device promotion scheme.

He emphasised the need to align these initiatives with India’s broader vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Additionally, Dr. Chawla urged the medical device industry to invest more in clinical trials, underscoring the importance of skilled manpower in the sector. "There is a notable shortage of technical manpower, particularly medical engineers, across the industry," he noted, adding that the government has partnered with relevant skill development councils to address this gap through training and development programs.

During the event, Ravindra Pratap Singh, Joint Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, said that the MediTech Stackathon-II is the result of a three-month effort to complete the value chain mapping exercise. He described the Stackathon as a bridge connecting the output with the outcomes that will benefit the sector.

Ganesh Sabat, Co-Chair of FICCI Medical Devices Committee & CEO of Sahajanand Medical Technologies , expressed optimism about the future of the medical device industry in India. “Numerous policy changes are giving us a significant advantage in realising our dream of creating a comprehensive ecosystem in the country. The concept of Meditech as an industry has finally taken root in India,” he added.