The government is considering a proposal that would allow hospitals to directly import sophisticated medical equipment, a move aimed at improving access to advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies across the country. The proposed framework could enable healthcare institutions to bypass certain conventional procurement channels and speed up the acquisition of critical medical devices.
List Includes MRI, CT and PET-CT Systems
Under the proposal, hospitals may be permitted to directly import around 80 categories of high-end medical devices. These include MRI machines, CT scanners, PET-CT systems, SPECT/SPECT-CT/Gamma cameras, mammography units, and advanced X-ray equipment. By simplifying the import process, policymakers hope to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and enhance patient care.
Faster Procurement Could Benefit Patients
Healthcare experts believe that easier access to advanced medical equipment could help hospitals expand diagnostic capabilities and reduce waiting times for patients. Furthermore, direct imports may enable institutions to procure cutting-edge technologies more efficiently, particularly when domestic availability remains limited.
Industry Watches Impact on Domestic Manufacturing
However, the proposal has also sparked discussions about its potential impact on India’s medical device manufacturing sector. The country continues to rely significantly on imported high-end medical equipment, while policymakers simultaneously seek to boost domestic production through initiatives such as “Make in India” and production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes.
Concerns Around Pricing and Procurement
At the same time, industry stakeholders have raised concerns about pricing practices in the imported medical device segment. Some domestic manufacturers have previously alleged that imported devices often carry significantly higher price tags, giving hospitals greater profit margins while creating challenges for local manufacturers.
Meanwhile, the debate over procurement models continues across the healthcare sector. In a separate move earlier, the Delhi government directed state-run hospitals to centralize purchases of medical devices and consumables through a dedicated procurement agency to improve transparency and address concerns related to inflated prices.
Proposal Under Review
As per The Economic Times, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has floated the proposal and is seeking to establish a regulatory framework that would allow hospitals to directly import advanced medical equipment. The initiative remains under consideration, and stakeholders are expected to provide feedback before any final policy decision is taken.
If approved, the framework could mark a significant shift in the way hospitals procure advanced medical technologies, potentially improving access to state-of-the-art healthcare equipment while reshaping India’s medical device ecosystem.