Cabinet gives nod to Medical Devices policy 2023

New Delhi, Apr 27 (KNN) On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet cleared the National Medical Devices Policy, 2023 to reduce India’s heavy import dependence in this sector.

Currently India imports about 75 to 80 per cent of medical devices, as per government data.

The 157 nursing colleges announced in this year’s Union Budget were also approved by the Cabinet.

“Currently about 75-80 per cent of medical devices are imported in India and with this scheme the government will enhance India’s manufacturing capacity,” said Mansukh Mandaviya, Union minister for health and family welfare, during- a media briefing on Cabinet approvals.

“It is also essential to enhance indigenous capacity as there is a growing demand for affordable quality medical devices. There is a need for systemic development and expansion of medical devices industry in the country,” he added.

The National Medical Devices Policy, 2023 is expected to facilitate growth of the medical devices sector to meet the public health objectives of access, affordability, quality and innovation.

According to the government data, the market for medical devices in India was estimated to be USD 11 billion (approximately, Rs 90,000 crore) in 2020, accounting for 1.5 per cent of the global market.  (KNN Bureau)