A high-level committee has been formed by the Commerce Ministry to create a new policy framework for the import of refurbished medical devices in India. The goal is to establish transparent and safe rules for importing these devices, which are currently being brought in without proper standards. This move is aimed at balancing the need for affordable healthcare solutions with patient safety.
The new policy, according to officials, will cover devices such as medical imaging equipment, surgical lasers, and robotic systems. The Medical Technology Association of India (MTAI) has also requested the government to create a level playing field for both new and refurbished medical devices. The government’s goal is to prevent the import of low-quality or potentially unsafe equipment while ensuring that high-end refurbished devices are available for healthcare facilities that cannot afford new ones.