India needs to develop a stronger export-oriented medical devices industry to expand its presence in global healthcare markets, the pharma secretary has said.
The call comes as India seeks to reduce its dependence on imported medical equipment while building domestic manufacturing capabilities and increasing the country’s share of the global medical technology market.
An export-focused industry would help Indian manufacturers move beyond meeting domestic demand and compete in international markets. This could create opportunities for companies across segments such as diagnostic equipment, medical electronics, surgical instruments, implants and other healthcare technologies.
The government has been promoting domestic production of medical devices through manufacturing incentives, infrastructure development and measures aimed at strengthening the broader healthcare manufacturing ecosystem. Building scale and improving technological capabilities are expected to be important for making Indian products more competitive globally.
Greater emphasis on exports could also encourage manufacturers to invest in research and development, product innovation and internationally recognised quality standards. These capabilities would be essential for Indian companies seeking to enter developed and emerging healthcare markets.
The sector also has potential to contribute to India’s broader trade objectives by generating higher-value exports and reducing the import bill for medical equipment. A stronger domestic supply chain could support manufacturers while creating opportunities for ancillary industries and specialised component suppliers.
The pharma secretary’s remarks underline the need for India to position medical devices as an important export sector. With stronger manufacturing capabilities, technology adoption and global market access, the industry could play a larger role in India’s ambitions to become a competitive healthcare manufacturing and export hub.