Union Minister Launches MedTech Mitra to Support Medical Innovators

MedTech Mitra is envisioned to facilitate the indigenous development of affordable, quality MedTech devices and diagnostics, significantly reducing import dependence.

In a move towards fostering innovation in the medical technology (MedTech) sector, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilisers, virtually launched the "MedTech Mitra" initiative.

This strategic platform aims to empower young talents in the country by providing support and guidance, culminating in the development of innovative healthcare solutions.

"MedTech Mitra is a platform that will help the young talents of the country by holding their hands and giving them final shape to their research, knowledge, logic etc. and help them in getting regulatory approval," said Dr Mandaviya while virtually launching the initiative.

The minister emphasised the essential role of the medical devices sector in India's healthcare, aligning with the vision of "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) to transform the health landscape by 2047.

Highlighting the import dependence of India's MedTech sector, which stands at a substantial 80%, Dr Mandaviya stressed the sector's progress through production-linked incentive schemes, investments in medical drug parks, MedTech research policy, and the MedTech research incentive scheme.

MedTech Mitra is envisioned to facilitate the indigenous development of affordable, quality MedTech devices and diagnostics, significantly reducing import dependence.

Dr Mandaviya expressed confidence in India's MedTech sector becoming a $50 billion industry by 2030. Recognising the rapid changes driven by technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, big data, virtual reality, and nanotechnology, he underscored the potential for innovation in the medical device sector.

The initiative seeks to provide assistance at the approval stage, promoting self-reliance and contributing to the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).

Prof S P Singh Bhagel, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, said, "MedTech Mitra is a platform for budding entrepreneurs and innovators in India. It is more than an ecosystem, a community and a harbinger of revolutionary change."

Emphasising the importance of accurate and cost-effective indigenous technologies, he sees MedTech Mitra as a catalyst for cooperation among stakeholders, fostering progress in the health sector.

Highlighting the challenges facing the innovators in bringing innovations to light, Dr V K Paul, Member Health, NITI Aayog underscored the role of MedTech Mitra in handholding the innovators for clinical evaluations and regulatory compliance, saying, "MedTech Mitra will empower emerging start-ups and ensure ease of innovation, ease of doing research and development, ease of rendering service in building an Atmanirbhar Bharat."

He added further that in fostering collaboration among all stakeholders, MedTech Mitra is expected to break silos, catalysing growth and independence in the MedTech sector.

The platform aligns with India's commitment to Universal Health Coverage, contributing to the realisation of healthcare services reaching every corner of the nation—a vital aspect of the vision for a developed India.

MedTech Mitra comes as a transformative initiative, propelling India's MedTech sector into an era of innovation, self-sufficiency, and enhanced healthcare accessibility. The collaborative efforts of the government and stakeholders aim to position India as a global leader in medical technology and contribute significantly to the vision of a developed India.