Healthcare Self‑Reliance: India Now Manufactures 54 Life‑Saving Medical Devices

India’s MedTech manufacturing ecosystem has expanded to produce 54 unique medical technology products, ranging from advanced cancer-treatment equipment like Linear Accelerators (LINAC) to life-saving cardiac stents, under the government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.

Under the PLI Scheme for medical devices, 21 projects have started manufacturing of 54 unique medical devices, which include high end devices such as Linear Accelerator (LINAC), MRI, CT-Scan, Heart Valve, Stent, Dialyzer Machine, C-Arm, Cath Lab, Mammograph, MRI Coils, etc.

India’s MedTech Leap

• Scope of Products: India now manufactures 54 distinct MedTech devices, covering oncology (LINAC machines), cardiology (stents), imaging, diagnostics, and surgical equipment.
• Strategic Goal: Diversifies production, reduces import dependence, and strengthens domestic healthcare infrastructure.
• Policy Driver: The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has been central to this achievement.

📊 Why This Matters

• Healthcare Access: Domestic production lowers costs and improves availability for hospitals and patients.
• Economic Impact: MedTech contributes to India’s manufacturing revival, with ₹2 lakh crore in investments realized across PLI sectors by September 2025.
• Global Competitiveness: India is emerging as a hub for affordable MedTech exports.

Challenges & Trade-offs

• Quality Standards: Competing globally requires strict adherence to FDA and CE certifications.
• Supply Chain: Raw materials and specialized components may still rely on global suppliers.
• Innovation Gap: Sustained R&D investment is needed to match Western innovation.

Strategic Outlook

• Domestic Impact: Hospitals across India gain access to advanced devices like LINAC machines for cancer therapy.
• Export Potential: Affordable stents and diagnostic devices can boost India’s role in global healthcare supply chains.
• Policy Continuity: Continued government support through PLI and regulatory reforms will be critical.

In short:

India’s ability to manufacture 54 unique MedTech products—from LINACs to stents—signals a major step toward healthcare self-reliance and global competitiveness.