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India must build export-oriented med-tech industry, official says
India must move beyond import substitution to build an export-oriented medical devices industry, Pharma Secretary Manoj Joshi said on August 8, 2026. He noted India's med-tech market is valued at around $16…
The Story in Brief
India must move beyond import substitution to build an export-oriented medical devices industry, Pharma Secretary Manoj Joshi said on August 8, 2026. He noted India's med-tech market is valued at around $16 billion, while the global market exceeds $600 billion, offering huge scope for growth.
Separately, the government's self-reliance push under PM-ABHIM and the PLI scheme has begun manufacturing over 50 high-end devices, Hindustan Times reports. Out-of-pocket health expenditure has also fallen from 65% to 43%. DCGI Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi said the sector is transforming from import-driven to domestic manufacturing-led.
The Indian Opinion
The government touts falling import dependence as a success, but the Pharma Secretary's call for an export focus suggests domestic manufacturing still has a long way to go. Critics may accuse the government of exaggerating gains, yet 50 high-end devices under PLI is real progress. The real test will be India's share of the global $600 billion med-tech market in the next trade data. Can the industry move from import substitution to true global competitiveness?
Sources (2): hindustantimes.com, health.economictimes.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
