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New Delhi, August 10, 2024 – In a significant development for India’s healthcare sector, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh praised the World Health Organization (WHO) for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India to enhance the production of medical devices. The MoU, signed between Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), under the Department of Science & Technology, and WHO, marks a pivotal step in fortifying India’s position as a global leader in healthcare innovation.
Speaking at the formal announcement ceremony held today at the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), New Delhi, Dr. Singh lauded WHO’s continuous humanitarian initiatives in India. He highlighted that the partnership would focus on advancing “Technology for Medical Diagnosis,” thereby contributing significantly to global health security.
Dr. Singh expressed pride in the Ministry of Science and Technology’s role in this collaboration, noting that the MoU allows SCTIMST and the Department of Science and Technology to partner with global entrepreneurs. This partnership is expected to boost the development and commercialization of innovative medical technologies, with potential revenue generation through licensing and royalties.
Reflecting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India), Dr. Singh emphasized the need for scaling up the production of indigenous medical devices to meet global demand. He stated, “While we have made strides in producing indigenous devices, we must now focus on increasing production volumes to match the growing needs of both domestic and international markets.”
The Minister underscored that this collaboration would not only reduce India’s reliance on imports but also foster the growth of a highly skilled workforce, further enhancing the nation’s manufacturing capabilities. He highlighted India’s world-class facilities in in-vitro testing, genomics, precision medicine, and vaccine production, noting that the technology developed by SCTIMST is integral to the expanding ecosystem of medical diagnostics.
Dr. Singh also expressed confidence that the collaboration with WHO would lead to further technological advancements and innovations, as well as strengthen international partnerships. He pointed out that such efforts are crucial in combating global diseases and preparing for future pandemics.
Recalling the contributions of Padma Vibhushan late Prof. M.S. Valiathan, the founding Director of SCTIMST, Dr. Singh acknowledged his visionary leadership, which has laid the foundation for the institute’s outstanding work in biomedical technology development.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Member of NITI Aayog and President of SCTIMST, Dr. A. Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Dr. Rogério Paulo Pinto de Sá Gaspar, Director of the Department of Regulation and Prequalification at WHO, Geneva, Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative in India, and other distinguished members from INSA, DST, ICMR, DBT, and SCTIMST.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated that the partnership with WHO strengthens India’s leadership in healthcare innovation with a particular focus on “Technology for Medical Diagnosis.” He also thanked Prime Minister Modi for his unwavering support, crediting the transformation in public healthcare over the last decade to the “Whole of Government and Whole of Science” approach championed under the Prime Minister’s leadership.
