MeitY Develops Indigenous Healthcare Technologies to Reduce Import Dependence

MeitY aims to foster a robust ecosystem for advanced healthcare solutions through domestic innovation and industry collaboration.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has spearheaded the development of two critical healthcare technologies to diminish India's reliance on imports.

In a recent statement, MeitY announced the creation of a 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner and a 6 MEV Linear Accelerator, both developed with significant collaboration and funding.

The 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner and the 6 MEV Linear Accelerator (LINAC) were developed by the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER), with participation from the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in Trivandrum and Kolkata, the Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), and the Dayanand Sagar Institute (DSI).

The MRI scanner is designed for non-invasive medical imaging to visualize soft tissues, while the LINAC is utilized for cancer treatment using high-energy X-rays or electrons.

Financial Support & Import Substitution

Both projects have received financial backing from MeitY, which aims to enhance domestic technological capabilities in the healthcare sector and move towards import substitution.

The ministry emphasized the necessity of swiftly translating research into practical applications to ensure that these technologies are accessible and affordable to the public.

"It is crucial to expedite the development and deployment of these technologies to fully leverage the benefits of indigenous health technologies for the benefit of the people," MeitY stated.

Industry Engagement & Collaboration

The ministry highlighted the importance of early industry engagement to identify synergies, enhance efficiencies, and create impactful collaborations.

SAMEER has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for MRI and Transfer of Technology (ToT) for LINAC with several companies, including B-MEC Imaging, Medirays Imaging, Adonis Medical Systems, INOXCVA Inox India, and Paras Defence and Technologies, among others.

Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary of MeitY underscored the importance of critical medical technologies and devices, noting the expanding scope, challenges, and opportunities that India presents to manufacturers.

He pointed out that industry engagement is encouraging and reflects MeitY's sustained efforts in developing indigenous technologies.

The development of these technologies marks a significant step towards enhancing India's self-reliance in medical technology.

By focusing on domestic innovation and industry collaboration, MeitY aims to create a robust ecosystem that supports the growth and accessibility of advanced healthcare solutions.

This initiative is expected to pave the way for further advancements in the healthcare sector, ensuring that cutting-edge medical technologies are both accessible and affordable for the Indian population.

In another development related to medical devices, the Central Drugs and Standards Control Organization (CDSCO) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) are revisiting the benchmarks set for life-saving medical devices in India.

This initiative aims to enhance safety and performance standards, reflecting the rapid technological advancements in medical sciences. An official confirmed that the Union government is currently evaluating these standards to ensure they meet contemporary safety and performance requirements.