The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, virtually launched ‘MedTech Mitra,’ a strategic initiative aimed at empowering MedTech innovators and advancing healthcare solutions. The launch event, marks a step towards fostering innovation in the medical devices sector. A press release on the launch was issued on December 25, 2023.
The Union Minister highlighted the role of the medical devices sector in India’s healthcare landscape, emphasizing the nation’s holistic approach to health as part of the Viksit Bharat vision to transform the health scenario by 2047.
Acknowledging the import dependency of India’s MedTech sector, which stands at 80%, the Minister underscored the progress made through production-linked incentive schemes, investments in medical drug parks, and the implementation of the MedTech research policy and incentive scheme. The collaborative initiative of ‘MedTech Mitra’ is expected to drive indigenous development, making quality MedTech devices more affordable and reducing import dependence.
Expressing confidence in the sector’s growth, he emphasized the rapid changes in the medical device sector due to developments in robotics, artificial intelligence, big data, virtual reality, and nanotechnology.
The Union Health Minister commended the innovators, researchers, and startup youth in the country, emphasizing the need for support at the approval stage. He envisioned that this assistance would propel India towards self-reliance (Atmanirbhar) and the realization of the Viksit Bharat vision.
The event witnessed the participation of key figures, including Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, DHR and Director General, ICMR, and other senior government officials.
