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India is making significant strides in medical device manufacturing, aiming to become a global hub for affordable and high-quality health technology. This progress aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India), focusing on building a robust domestic industry while serving international markets.
Growing Domestic Production of Medical Equipment
Amit Agarwal, Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals at the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, shared these insights at the recent India MedTech Expo 2025 held in New Delhi. He highlighted a remarkable increase in India’s capacity to produce medical devices, from manufacturing only 10% domestically five years ago to approximately 30% today. Notably, production of high-end medical equipment now constitutes 20% of this figure, marking a significant upgrade in technological capabilities.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, policy initiatives under the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign accelerated domestic manufacturing,” Agarwal explained. “We used to rely heavily on imports, but now India is producing a wider range of devices, including advanced products previously sourced only from abroad.”
India’s Emerging Role in the Global Medical Device Market
The India MedTech Expo, now in its second edition, drew over 100 companies from 30 countries, facilitating more than 1,000 business meetings. Companies from across the globe have expressed growing interest not only in basic categories of medical devices (Class A and B devices) but also in technical, high-end Class C products. This interest underscores India’s rising competence and competitiveness in medical technology manufacturing.
Agarwal emphasized, “Foreign companies are keen to invest, partner, and export alongside India because of the quality and affordability of our products.” India’s medical devices such as MRI machines, dialysis machines, and dialysers are already being exported, benefiting from production costs 10-40% lower than many global peers, without compromising quality.
Policy Support and Economic Impact
Union Minister Piyush Goyal, speaking at the expo’s inauguration, underscored the importance of GST reforms in advancing the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. The streamlined Goods and Services Tax system is viewed as a critical reform that will help India become a developed nation by 2047, providing comprehensive healthcare solutions to its 1.4 billion citizens.
“GST reform is fundamental to our goal of making India self-reliant in healthcare, enabling innovation, manufacturing, and access to affordable devices,” Goyal said. He envisaged a future where all citizens have equitable access to advanced healthcare technologies, thereby enhancing public health outcomes.
Implications for Public Health and Consumers
This manufacturing shift has potent implications for healthcare in India and abroad. Greater availability of indigenous medical devices can reduce dependence on imports, making healthcare more affordable and resilient. For health-conscious consumers, it may translate into easier access to diagnostic and therapeutic tools at reduced costs.
Medical professionals also stand to gain from enhanced local production, easing supply chain disruptions and fostering innovation in tailored solutions suited to Indian healthcare settings.
Limitations and Considerations
While the growth is promising, experts caution that India is still developing in producing some highly sophisticated medical technologies. Ensuring consistent quality, navigating regulatory hurdles, and scaling manufacturing to meet global standards remain ongoing challenges. Continued investment in research, infrastructure, and workforce training is necessary to maintain momentum.
Experts not involved in this initiative advise vigilance in maintaining rigorous quality control and post-market surveillance to safeguard patient safety and trust.
Expert Perspectives
Dr. Anjali Mehta, a healthcare technology analyst unaffiliated with the government, commented, “India’s push to ‘make for the world’ is commendable and achievable, but it requires sustained collaborative efforts from policymakers, industry, and healthcare professionals. Export growth will depend on maintaining international regulatory compliance and product reliability.”
Conclusion
India’s commitment to expanding medical device manufacturing under the ‘Make in India for the World’ model represents a strategic advancement in healthcare autonomy. This offers hope for a future where cutting-edge medical technologies are both accessible and affordable to populations domestically and globally.
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Medical Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.
References
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Amit Agarwal, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers. Interview excerpt from India MedTech Expo 2025, New Delhi, Sept 6, 2025. Source: lokmattimes.com, “We’re working towards ‘make in India and for the world’: Top govt official,” September 6, 2025.
