AiMed urges govt to withdraw order on import of used medical devices

New Delhi, July 29 (KNN) The Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD) on Friday asked the government to withdraw the official memorandum (OM) permitting the import of pre-owned medical devices.

The industry body accused FICCI of siding with MNCs and working against the interest of domestic manufacturers.

In a statement, AiMeD attacked the FICCI's Medical Devices Division, alleging that the body has joined hands with forces inimical to the Make in India drive of the PM.

The Indian medical device manufacturers have written multiple letters to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate and Change and Department of Pharmaceuticals urging the Union Government to withdraw the official memorandum permitting the import of pre-owned medical devices, reported BWHealthcare.

The letter written by Rajiv Nath, Forum Coordinator Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD) and under-signed by as many as 10 domestic manufacturers noted that manufacturers of medical electronics and equipment already find it very challenging to compete with imports. 

The letter added that if the Union Health Ministry permits the additional imports then it becomes virtually impossible to address the 90 per cent import dependency on medical electronics.

Nath added that the OM is a regressive step that has confused the investors who have been putting up manufacturing capacity in the last few years in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for self-reliance.

Hr further pointed out that the entire development smacks of a larger conspiracy, as the move to finish the domestic medical device industry raises concerns for the safety of patients, e-waste dumping, and the affordability and reliability of foreign make equipment.   (KNN Bureau)