By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : August 08, 2026 10:02 am
India Medical Device 2026 highlights the need for deeper domestic value addition, advanced manufacturing, predictable regulation and stronger industry-startup collaboration
Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals believes that the medical devices sector needs to be viewed from both healthcare and industry perspectives.
"While healthcare providers prioritise access to quality medical devices irrespective of their origin, domestic manufacturing remains important for employment generation, strengthening industrial capabilities and ensuring supply chain resilience, particularly during global disruptions," Joshi said while addressing the inaugural session of two-day 9th edition of India Medical Device 2026 commenced at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on August 07, 2026.
DoP Secretary said India has made considerable progress in local manufacturing, particularly in consumables and disposables, as well as in the assembly of high-end equipment such as diagnostic and imaging systems.
Joshi further emphasized the need to increase domestic value addition, strengthen component manufacturing, promote innovation in advanced medical technologies and continuously improve quality standards to build globally competitive manufacturing capabilities.
Organised by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India, in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the conference is being held under the theme ‘Towards Viksit Bharat: Advancing India as a Global Hub for Quality Medical Devices’.
“India must move beyond import substitution approach and build an export-oriented industry that serves global markets,” Joshi said. He noted that while the Indian medical devices market is valued at around US$16 billion, the global market exceeds US$600 billion, presenting significant opportunities for Indian manufacturers.
According to Joshi, unlocking this opportunity will require stronger domestic component manufacturing, deeper value addition, seamless cross-border movement of components and finished products, greater integration with global value chains, and stronger partnerships between startups and established companies to help innovations move successfully from development to commercialisation.
The two day long event brought together policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, innovators and other stakeholders to discuss the growth and global competitiveness of India’s medical devices sector.
Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), said the medical devices sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation from an import-driven market towards a domestic manufacturing-led ecosystem. He highlighted the need to strengthen indigenous capabilities in high-end Class C and Class D medical devices and in vitro diagnostics, while ensuring faster, transparent and predictable regulatory approvals.
Tushar Sharma, Chair, FICCI Medical Devices Committee and Managing Director & GM, India & South Asia, Abbott Healthcare, highlighted the industry's growing investments in India beyond technology introduction. These include R&D centres, Global Capability Centres, software and engineering hubs, clinical research, manufacturing facilities, service networks and workforce development.
He said these investments are contributing to improved patient care, creation of skilled employment, development of local capabilities and India's emergence as an increasingly important global MedTech operations hub.
Jyoti Vij, Director General, FICCI, said India's next phase of growth will depend on its ability to foster innovation, strengthen R&D, develop resilient supply chains, build advanced manufacturing capabilities, promote globally harmonised quality standards, leverage digital technologies and expand the country's presence in international markets.
Bharath Sesha, Co-Chair, FICCI Medical Devices Committee and Managing Director, Philips Indian Subcontinent, said the discussions at the inaugural session highlighted India's significant potential to emerge as a global leader in the medical devices sector.