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New Delhi, October 26 – MedTech industry leaders, including the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) and the Association of Indian Medical Devices (AiMed), voiced serious concerns on Friday regarding the influx of refurbished and pre-owned medical devices in the Indian market. Despite significant strides in domestic production capabilities, imports of such devices could jeopardize the country’s self-reliance goals and pose risks to patient safety, the organizations warned.
Recent Office Memorandums (OMs) issued by key regulatory bodies—the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW)—permit the import of pre-owned medical equipment. Industry leaders argue this move could undercut India’s efforts in high-tech medical device manufacturing and the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.
Rajiv Nath, Forum Coordinator at AiMed, voiced concerns over safety and quality, cautioning that refurbished medical devices may lack rigorous quality controls essential to safe patient care. “Many newly initiated projects for high-end medical equipment are now at risk, and patient safety may be compromised by using non-calibrated, non-regulated equipment,” Nath stated. “India is becoming a dumping ground for e-waste, with outdated medical devices finding resale here, impacting our emerging domestic sector.”
The remarks underscore the strain refurbished imports place on India’s budding MedTech industry, which has made recent gains under government initiatives. Shalini Sharma, Assistant Secretary General of PHDCCI, emphasized that India’s capability to manufacture high-quality medical devices aligns with the goals of national self-reliance, yet these imports threaten the progress made in local manufacturing.
“The import of refurbished medical devices creates a competitive disadvantage for domestic manufacturers,” said Sharma. “Our chamber seeks collaboration with the government to establish fair market practices that favor Indian-made products, reinforcing both ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat.’”
Investors in India’s MedTech sector have also raised red flags over the potential for refurbished imports to disincentivize investment in local innovation. Sudhir Srivastava, Chairman and CEO of SS Innovations, highlighted that domestic manufacturers are investing significantly in R&D to advance medical technologies tailored to the country’s healthcare needs. “Allowing refurbished imports undermines the quality of care and discourages investment in homegrown advancements,” Srivastava said. “The country’s commitment to innovation through ‘Make in India’ is hindered by the influx of refurbished equipment, which sends a conflicting message to both investors and manufacturers.”
India’s MedTech sector has seen substantial growth, with investments and advancements contributing to high-quality, affordable healthcare solutions across the nation. Industry leaders are now urging regulatory authorities to re-evaluate policies on refurbished imports, emphasizing that promoting local manufacturing and supporting national self-sufficiency will enhance patient care quality and safeguard India’s medical technology ecosystem.
In the wake of these concerns, stakeholders in India’s MedTech sector are hopeful for a recalibrated approach that prioritizes patient safety, supports the domestic industry, and aligns with India’s aspirations for innovation and self-reliance.
