Is India’s 1st Customised Dental Implant a Game Changer for the MedTech Sector?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Indigenous dental implant signifies India's MedTech advancement.
- Customised TMJ implant enhances patient care.
- Cost-effective solution, significantly cheaper than imports.
- Local manufacturing reduces turnaround time.
- Supports the Make in India initiative.
New Delhi, Oct 7 (NationPress) The successful implantation of an indigenously developed dental implant, tailored to meet patient needs, highlights the burgeoning strength of India’s MedTech sector, stated Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Tuesday.
In a significant advancement for India’s medical technology landscape, the customised Temporo Mandibular Joint (TMJ) implant procedure was executed with success for four patients at Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS), New Delhi.
The TMJ implant was developed locally at the ICMR-DHR-MedTech Product Development Acceleration Gateway of India (mPRAGATI)—a sophisticated facility managed by the Medical Device and Diagnostics Mission Secretariat (MDMS) at IIT Delhi.
This innovation signifies a pivotal step towards reducing reliance on imported implants, thereby enhancing accessibility to affordable, high-quality medical devices for patients in India.
“The successful implantation of the customised TMJ implant at MAIDS, backed by ICMR and mPRAGATI-IIT Delhi, reflects the strengthening capabilities of India’s medtech sector,” remarked Nadda.
“This accomplishment illustrates how indigenous innovation, supported by robust research and policy frameworks, can lead to cost-effective and significant advancements in healthcare,” he continued.
The locally developed TMJ implant presents numerous benefits compared to existing imported options, ensuring enhanced outcomes, affordability, and expedited delivery for patients.
Crafted under the Make in India initiative, this implant is priced at approximately one-fifth of Indian industry-made counterparts and one-eighth to one-tenth of imported versions, making it more accessible and economical.
It is specifically designed to improve jaw movement and stability, featuring a dedicated muscle attachment for enhanced function, aesthetics, and quicker recovery.
Local manufacturing and optimized processes have reduced turnaround time to around two weeks, facilitating faster treatment and patient recovery.
“This development underscores the power of collaboration among clinical experts, engineers, and researchers to create real-world health solutions. ICMR takes pride in supporting innovations that lower costs while enhancing patient outcomes, furthering India’s leadership in affordable healthcare technologies,” said ICMR Director General Dr. Rajiv Bahl.