With the government getting ready for its 12th five-year plan of 2012 to 2017, the Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AIMED) is hopeful that at least this time some measures would be taken by the government to protect the interest of the medical device sector which has been side tracked till now.

According to Rajiv Nath, forum coordinator, AIMED, “We hope that the government will take adequate steps to identify Medical devices as a separate entity in upcoming five year plan which would help to propel this sector and put it on a growth trajectory.”

In a recent representation, AIMED had urged the government to consider three factors that would trigger the growth of this highly potential but ignored sector while making the five year plan. Nath pointed out that one of the most concerning factor that haunts the medical device industry is that it is mostly an import oriented market.

“For this industry to flourish it is essential for the government to take some steps that will encourage manufacturing in the country. The government need to provide a fiscal environment for the medical device sector that will encourage manufacturing within the country. Most importantly, we urge the Indian companies to take initiative to manufacture products here than just conducting trade with foreign counter parts,” informed Nath.

He pointed out that as of now 70 per cent of the medical devices in the country are imported which is not healthy rend for this industry.

In its representation, AIMED also appealed to the Government to recognise medical devices as a separate industry and not to consider it a part of Drugs and Cosmetics Act. “We have time and again demanded for a separate Act for medical device from the government and hope that they will take some concrete action at the latest. There is a need to give medical device sector an individual identity and there should be a separate division for it at the CDSCO level as well. Moreover this industry needs to be regulated properly without which it will be difficult have a focused growth plan.”

AIMED also suggested that the name of CDSCO should be changed into National Health Regulatory Body as it will cover all the sectors relating to healthcare and give a wider approach to it.