India’s healthcare expansion over the past decade has increased the need for reliable, affordable and high-quality medical devices across hospitals, diagnostic centres and healthcare facilities in both urban and rural areas. Government initiatives have also contributed to a reduction in out-of-pocket healthcare spending from 65% to 43% in recent years.
Medical devices are now essential across the healthcare system, from newborn care in district hospitals to cancer treatment in tertiary centres. Under the Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), the government is upgrading laboratories, critical care facilities, disease surveillance systems and emergency response infrastructure.
As India works towards Viksit Bharat 2047, the focus is shifting towards an Atmanirbhar med-tech ecosystem that can make healthcare more affordable, accessible and resilient.
Reducing import dependence
India has traditionally depended heavily on imports for sophisticated medical devices, contributing to higher costs and supply-chain vulnerabilities. The National Medical Devices Policy 2023 aims to expand domestic manufacturing capabilities for newer technologies, reduce device prices and lower diagnostic costs.
The government is supporting this goal through the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, Medical Device Parks and the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech (PRIP) scheme. More than 50 high-end medical devices are now being manufactured under the PLI scheme.
India’s pharmaceutical industry, engineering capabilities, digital public infrastructure, start-up ecosystem and skilled workforce are also supporting innovation in AI, software as a medical device (SaMD), connected devices, robotics and remote diagnostics.
The government is strengthening regulatory systems, accredited testing infrastructure, clinical evidence generation and alignment with international standards to improve patient safety and global competitiveness.
India’s med-tech sector is currently the 4th-largest in Asia and among the top 20 globally. Valued at $15–16 billion, it is growing at nearly 12% CAGR, making it one of the country’s fastest-growing manufacturing sectors.
The government aims to build a med-tech ecosystem focused on quality, innovation and inclusivity while addressing maternal and child health, non-communicable diseases, emergency care, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and rural healthcare.
With collaboration among government, industry, academia, healthcare providers, start-ups and investors, India is working to become a trusted global med-tech partner while improving healthcare access and strengthening health security.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
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