From Editor's Desk

This issue has focus on discussing Challenges and Opportunities for Indian Medical Device Sector particularly for Medical Disposables & Implants sub-sector.

In his article, Mr Himanshu Baid, Managing Director, Poly Medicure Ltd. & Chairman – CII Medical Technology Division, while critically analyzing needs of this Sector, has very rightly mentioned that :

“The key issue remains that an import dependent economy cannot suddenly shift to indigenous manufacturing simply through driving policy decisions in a sector such as healthcare. To gradually transition from an import dependent to an export-oriented sector, the Government with all stakeholders, needs to come together to prepare and develop our medical technology ecosystem. To create such a healthy ecosystem in the near term, we will have to grant equal importance to imports and domestic manufacturing with a view to improve clinical outcomes and have continued access to global technology enabling a smooth transition.”.

Mr. D.L. Pandya

Editor

He has given indepth explanation for three Industry proposals :

1. Healthcare expansion by ramping up government spending on Healthcare.
2. Single window regulation for Medical Device related manufacturing
3. Economic incentives and rationalized duty structure.

He has also emphasized that, “Besides affordability of healthcare (which is currently 75 per cent out of pocket), the three pillars of medical technology remain safety, quality and efficacy of devices”.

The editorial article on “ Growth Dynamics For Indian Medical Device Industry” highlights - unavailability of right quality raw materials & components , lack of skilled workers and capacity to implement quality needs as issues of critical importance. The article also introduces a report for Mexico analyzing the “Roadmap for the Medical Device Industry” which suggests various “Supplier Development” activities. It also shares opinions of various Industry leaders on the subject as part of the previous survey carried out by “MEDICAL PLASTICS DATA SERVICE”.

We are also happy to mention that, “The Department of Pharmaceuticals” has proposed that the domestically sourced components have to contribute 25 – 50 % of the cost of medical devices procured by the government. “On draft of the proposed guidelines , created to give preference to products made in India, DOP has sought comments from all stakeholders”.

“AiMeD” has also urged Government to take policy decisions to boost Domestic manufacturing & to make healthcare affordable in India. In another such development, The quality council of India (QCI) alongwith UL has initiated efforts to further quality ecosystem in the country through standardization in Medical Devices also with an objective to “Build Brand India” in Medical Devices. One more positive development is the guidelines issued by the Union Health Industry for grouping Medical Devices in oder to streamline the application process for obtaining manufacturing or importing licence.

Along with the newly initiated column, “AiMED & Regulatory Updates”, this issue highlights Global Trends, Industry News, Materials, Products Gallery “Important Events as well as our regular enlightening column, ”Did You Know ?”..

D.L. Pandya