Medical Device Import Policy: India’s Efforts to Promote Domestic Production

India is actively reforming its medical device import policies to bolster domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign products. These efforts are integral to the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, aiming to position India as a global hub for medical device production.

National Medical Devices Policy, 2023:

In April 2023, the Union Cabinet approved the National Medical Devices Policy, 2023, targeting a reduction in import dependency, which stood at 75-80% at the time. The policy outlines strategies to enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities and promote innovation within the sector.

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme:

To incentivize local production, the government introduced the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for medical devices. This scheme offers financial benefits to manufacturers based on incremental sales of domestically produced devices, encouraging companies to scale up operations and invest in high-value products.

Establishment of Medical Device Parks:

The government is supporting the creation of medical device parks to provide state-of-the-art infrastructure and reduce manufacturing costs. These parks aim to create a robust ecosystem for medical device manufacturing, facilitating economies of scale and fostering innovation.

Standardization and Quality Control:

Efforts are underway to establish standards for approximately 500 domestically produced medical devices. This move aims to ensure that Indian-made devices meet global quality benchmarks, enhancing their competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.

Impact on the Industry:

These initiatives are expected to significantly boost domestic production, reduce import dependency, and position India as a global manufacturing hub for medical devices. The policy aims to place the medical devices sector on an accelerated growth path, with a patient-centric approach to meet evolving healthcare needs.

Challenges Ahead:

Despite these efforts, challenges such as limited access to capital, regulatory complexities, and the need for a skilled workforce persist. Addressing these issues is crucial for the sustained growth and self-reliance of India’s medical device industry.

In summary, India’s revised medical device import policies and supportive measures are pivotal steps toward strengthening domestic manufacturing, ensuring quality, and achieving self-reliance in the medical device sector.