Question : Import of Medical Devices

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERSbe pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that approximately eighty per cent of the medical equipments used for critical care are being imported;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the total import of medical devices along with the implication of foreign exchange during the last three years;
(c) whether the Government has planned to establish multiple medical device parks across several States of the country to support medical technology innovation and manufacturing under Make in India initiative; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?

(a)&(b): The country is dependent on imports of medical devices to an extent of 85%. The total amount of foreign exchange incurred on imports of medical devices during the last three financial years is as under:

Financial Year Import Value (USD MN)
2016-17 4406.9
2017-18 5009.5
2018-19 6204.0

(c)&(d): Department of Pharmaceuticals has a sub-scheme viz. Assistance to Medical Device Industry for Common Facility Center under the umbrella scheme for Development of Pharmaceuticals Industry. Under this sub-scheme, financial assistance to the tune of Rs.25 Crore or 70% of the project cost, whichever is less may be provided for creation of common facilities under any upcoming Medical Device Park promoted by State Governments/State Corporations. Department has received four proposals seeking financial assistance under this sub-scheme from the State Governments of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The “in-principle” approval has been given to proposals received from State Governments of Telangana, Kerala and Tamil Nadu while “final approval” has been given to the proposal received from Andhra Pradesh.

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