Medical Device Sector Applauds CDSCO's Ban on Refurbished Imports
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Synopsis
Medical device manufacturers have expressed their support for the CDSCO's decision to halt imports of refurbished medical devices, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations to protect healthcare quality and local innovation in India.
Key Takeaways
- CDSCO's ban on refurbished medical devices is a positive step.
- 70% of medical device needs in India are met through imports.
- Unregulated imports jeopardize local manufacturers.
- AiMeD advocates for higher import duties for fairness.
- Local innovation is crucial for India's healthcare future.
New Delhi, Jan 17 (NationPress) Medical device producers expressed their approval of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization’s (CDSCO) recent decision to prohibit the importation of refurbished medical devices.
In a communication dated January 10, the CDSCO instructed the customs department to prevent the entry of refurbished medical devices into the nation. This initiative aims to limit the arrival of such unregulated products.
"There is no specific provision for regulation of refurbished medical devices under Medical Devices Rules 2017. Hence no licence is issued for import of such devices, and it cannot be imported into the country for sale and distribution,” the letter from the CDSCO to the Office of Principal Commissioner of Customs, New Delhi, stated.
The Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD) contended that the healthcare safety of the nation is already at risk, with approximately 70 percent of current medical device requirements being satisfied through imports.
These unregulated imports have further threatened the sector, as nearly 60 percent of the Rs 40,000 Crore worth of imports of medical electronic equipment are estimated to consist of pre-owned devices being dumped into India.
“We welcome MNCs to invest in India and develop high-tech equipment that is affordable for Indian patients, similar to what is being accomplished in the mobile phone and automobile industries. Healthy competition is encouraged,” remarked Rajiv Nath, Forum Co-Ordinator, AiMeD.
Domestic medical device manufacturers have been protesting against the importation of second-hand medical devices for several months, asserting that the import of refurbished and pre-owned medical devices, despite the existence of similar products manufactured in India, contradicts the government’s policy promoting “Atma Nirbhar” or self-reliance.
“At a time when the domestic industry is already grappling with challenges such as negligible import tariffs of 0 to 7.5 percent on medical devices in India, permitting the import of refurbished devices has further acted as a deterrent to the entrepreneurial spirit of local manufacturers, making India heavily reliant on imports,” Nath stated.
AiMeD has urged that import duties be set between 10-15 percent for medical devices to create a level playing field for domestic producers.
Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, Past Chair of the Medical Device Committee at PHDCCI, labeled the CDSCO’s decision as “a crucial move towards strengthening India’s self-reliance in medical technology.”
“Allowing refurbished medical devices into the country would have compromised healthcare quality, discouraged local innovation, and undermined the essence of the ‘Make in India’ initiative,” Srivastava noted, adding that Indian manufacturers are making substantial advancements in research and development, providing innovative solutions tailored to our healthcare requirements.
“By restricting refurbished imports, we not only preserve the integrity of our medical ecosystem but also convey a strong message to global investors that India is dedicated to developing a robust, indigenous medical device industry.”
Experts indicated that the CDSCO’s action will protect both the future of healthcare innovation in India and the welfare of our patients.
