The Union Government has agreed to delink schedule M III of the Drug Rules, which deals with medical devices, from schedule M, which deals with drugs and pharmaceuticals.
Anjan Bose, Secretary General of NATHEAlTH, said delinking medical device industry from the pharmaceutical sector is a welcome development and should have far-reaching impact on Indian Healthcare. With this decision, the 'Make In India' programme of the Government should get a shot in the arm.
Currently around 70-75% of medical technology is imported and progress in 'Make In India' should reduce this, resulting in availability and accessibility of the right technology at the right cost, added Bose.
The need for an exclusive regulation for medical devices, considering many relevant factors like difference in life cycles and training needs. It is encouraging to see that the Health Ministry has taken a positive view on the whole matter. This will create the right ambience for maximising investment due to 100% FDI in MedTech that was already announced by the Government earlier, added Bose.