Gujarat charts roadmap to become global medical devices manufacturing hub
Gandhinagar, June 27
A high-level seminar in Gandhinagar has outlined a roadmap for strengthening Gujarat's position as a globally competitive medical technology manufacturing hub, with policymakers, regulators, industry leaders and academic experts focusing on export-oriented production, regulatory readiness and ecosystem development.
The one-day programme, titled 'Gujarat to Global: Empowering the MedTech Ecosystem', was jointly organised by the Gujarat Rajya Institution for Transformation (GRIT), the Export Promotion Council for Medical Devices (EPCMD) and NIPER Ahmedabad.
The seminar aimed to support Gujarat's ambition to become India's leading medical technology hub by bringing together government officials, regulators, and industry representatives to discuss policy, manufacturing competitiveness, and international market access.
Speaking during the inaugural session chaired by GRIT Chief Executive Officer S. Aparna, participants highlighted the roadmap for "Viksit Gujarat 2030" and the state's role in India's broader MedTech ambitions.
Aparna expressed confidence that Gujarat was moving towards becoming India's most competitive medical technology hub with global manufacturing capabilities.
Discussions during the seminar focused on the changing global landscape of medical devices and the need for Gujarat to move beyond conventional assembly operations towards high-value, export-driven manufacturing.
Speakers also emphasised aligning industrial growth with the National Medical Devices Policy and India's wider MedTech vision.
Technical sessions concentrated on regulatory pathways and quality systems required to access international markets.
Experts provided guidance on approval routes, including 510(k), De Novo, PMA, EU MDR, and EU IVDR, alongside internationally recognised quality standards such as ISO 13485, FDA QMSR, and MDSAP.
Participants also attended a presentation by Dr Tamanna Chaturvedi on the use of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) for the medical devices sector, which examined how manufacturers could improve export opportunities through existing trade agreements.
The concluding session examined the development of a comprehensive ecosystem around Gujarat's Medical Device Park.
Discussions covered plug-and-play infrastructure, common testing laboratories, sterilisation facilities, calibration centres, incubation support, localisation of the supply chain, skill development, and stronger collaboration between industry and academic institutions.
Participants also discussed the state's potential to improve global competitiveness and attract large-scale investment in medical device manufacturing.
The seminar concluded that Gujarat has the policy environment, infrastructure and collaborative ecosystem required to emerge as a leading global centre for medical device manufacturing while supporting increased investment and exports.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good initiative, but I hope this doesn't just become another assembly hub for foreign companies. We need indigenous design and manufacturing of high-tech devices like MRI machines, ventilators, and surgical robots. The 'Make in India' vision must mean real technology transfer and R&D, not just screwdriver assembly. Look at China—they started copying, now they innovate. We need that mindset.
As someone working in healthcare, I can see the potential. Our hospitals still import 80% of high-end devices. If Gujarat can make quality FDA-approved stents, catheters, and diagnostic equipment here, costs will come down for patients. Also important: skill development. Our engineers need training in biomed engineering and quality systems like ISO 13485. Hope NIPER and industry collaborate well on this.
I've worked in med device regulatory in the US. Gujarat has the right idea focusing on FDA and EU MDR compliance early. But the industry needs to invest seriously in quality systems from day one—don't cut corners just to reduce costs. One bad audit can ruin a company's reputation globally. Also, Free Trade Agreements with EU, Japan, and ASEAN are goldmines if used smartly. Good to see Dr Chaturvedi highlighting FTAs.
Ye sab thik hai, but ground reality kya hai? Small manufacturers in Gujarat face issues with power supply, logistics, and red tape. Before dreaming of global hub, ensure basic infra is world-class. Also, common testing labs and sterilisation facilities mentioned—good but implement quickly. Arre bhai, patient safety pe compromise nahi hona chahiye. Quality first, then quantity. 😊
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