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The landscape of healthcare in India is undergoing a transformative phase, propelled by technological advancements and a vision for a self-reliant nation. In a significant move, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, virtually inaugurated ‘MedTech Mitra’: A Strategic Initiative aimed at empowering the burgeoning talents in the realm of medical technology.
The focal point of this initiative, as highlighted by Dr Mandaviya, revolves around nurturing the potential of young minds and shaping their research, logic and knowledge. Moreover, it provides essential support in navigating regulatory processes, aiding these individuals in securing necessary approvals.
In a digital launch attended virtually by distinguished figures such as Prof. S.P. Singh Bhagel, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, and Dr V.K. Paul, Member Health, Niti Aayog, Dr Mandaviya emphasised the pivotal role of technology in shaping the future of the medical devices sector.
Dr Mandaviya underlined India’s aspiration to revolutionise healthcare by 2047 under the vision of Viksit Bharat. Recognising the import dependence of India’s MedTech sector, currently pegged at a staggering 80%, he stressed the imperative of bolstering indigenous development through incentives, research policies, and collaborative efforts.
The medical devices sector stands as a vital and inseparable component within India’s healthcare domain. Aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat, India is adopting a comprehensive health strategy aimed at reshaping the country’s healthcare landscape. The ultimate goal: fostering affordable, high-quality MedTech devices while significantly reducing import reliance.
With a forecast envisioning a US$ 50 billion industry by 2030, Dr Mandaviya acknowledged the exponential growth opportunities driven by technological advancements like Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Virtual Reality, and Nano Technology in the medical device sector.
He lauded the innate potential within the nation’s innovators, researchers, and startup youth, emphasising the need for timely support at the approval stage to propel India towards self-reliance and the realisation of Viksit Bharat.
Echoing this sentiment, Prof. S.P. Singh Bhagel hailed MedTech Mitra as more than an ecosystem, rather a catalyst for revolutionary change. He highlighted the criticality of leveraging indigenous technologies to transform healthcare and positioned MedTech Mitra as a pivotal platform uniting stakeholders for progress in the healthtech domain.
Dr V.K. Paul, emphasising the challenges innovators face in bringing their innovations to fruition, emphasised MedTech Mitra’s role in guiding these visionaries through clinical evaluations and regulatory compliance. He stressed its significance in empowering emerging startups and streamlining the innovation process, fostering collaboration, and breaking down silos for sectoral growth and independence.
Ultimately, MedTech Mitra aligns with India’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage, amplifying the reach of healthcare services even to the remotest corners, thereby becoming an integral component of the envisioned Viksit Bharat.
In essence, MedTech Mitra emerges not just as a platform but as a beacon for innovation, collaboration, and progress in India’s healthcare technology landscape. Its strategic initiatives hold the promise of transforming ideas into impactful solutions, steering the nation towards self-reliance and inclusive healthcare accessibility.