Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel, delivered an insightful address at the 21st Health Summit organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Themed “Transforming Healthcare for Viksit Bharat 2047,” the event brought together key stakeholders to discuss the roadmap for India’s healthcare revolution. The Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, also attended the summit.

Speaking during the plenary session on “Charting India’s MedTech Revolution: MedTech Expansion Roadmap to 2047,” Smt. Patel underscored the medical device sector’s potential as a “sunrise sector” poised for immense growth. She noted that India’s medical device market, currently valued at $14 billion, is expected to more than double to $30 billion by 2030. Highlighting the country’s global standing, she said India ranks as the fourth-largest medical devices market in Asia, following Japan, China, and South Korea, and among the top 20 globally.

The Union Minister emphasised the unique role of the MedTech industry as a vital link between patients, healthcare providers, regulators, and insurers, describing it as a catalyst for transforming healthcare delivery and outcomes. She highlighted the crucial role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, emphasizing its potential to tackle complex challenges and unlock new opportunities for innovation.

Patel elaborated on the government’s initiatives to strengthen the medical device ecosystem. Key policies include the approval of the National Medical Device Policy 2023, which focuses on regulatory streamlining, infrastructure development, R&D enhancement, investment promotion, and human resource development. The establishment of Centers of Excellence and specialized courses at institutions such as NIPERs further reflects the government’s commitment to MedTech education and innovation.

The government has also undertaken measures to promote exports and enhance collaboration within the industry. The creation of the Export Promotion Council for Medical Devices and the reconstitution of the National Medical Devices Promotion Council aim to address regulatory hurdles, boost exports, and facilitate ease of doing business, thereby solidifying India’s position in the global MedTech landscape.

The Union Minister also announced the Scheme for Promotion of Medical Devices Parks, with a financial allocation of ₹400 crore, providing ₹100 crore each to states like Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh for infrastructure development. Additionally, the “Scheme for Strengthening the Medical Device Industry” and initiatives such as the Promotion of Research in Pharma-MedTech Sector (PRIP), backed by ₹500 crore, seek to foster innovation, manufacturing capabilities, and skill development in alignment with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, further emphasized the economic and social imperatives of a robust healthcare system. She outlined India’s focus on affordability, accessibility, and inclusivity, highlighting transformative initiatives such as PM-JAY, PM-ABHIM, and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. She stressed the importance of public-private partnerships, preventive healthcare, and an expanded healthcare workforce in achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2047.

Srivastava also drew attention to the 100 Days Intensified TB Campaign launched by Union Health Minister Shri JP Nadda, underscoring its role in India’s mission to eliminate tuberculosis by 2025. She called upon the summit organizers to dedicate time to this campaign, reinforcing the government’s commitment to the cause.

In conclusion, both Smt. Patel and Smt. Srivastava highlighted the critical role of the private sector in transforming India’s healthcare landscape, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. They reiterated the government’s commitment to a collaborative approach aimed at building a world-class healthcare system that supports economic growth, job creation, and universal access to quality care.

Prominent industry leaders, including Dr. Naresh Trehan, Chairman of the CII National Healthcare Council and CMD of Medanta – The Medicity; Mr. Dilip Jose, Co-Chairman of CII and MD & CEO of Manipal Health Enterprises; Ms. Sunita Reddy, Managing Director of Apollo Hospital Group; and Ms. Amita Sarkar, Deputy Director General of CII, also participated in the summit. Their presence underscored the collaborative spirit driving India’s journey toward healthcare excellence.