MTaI Calls for OEM-Only Refurbishment of Medical Devices to Protect Access

The association also urged bringing medical devices under the Electronics Repair Services Outsourcing (ERSO) scheme.

The Medical Technology Association of India (MTaI) has recommended that medical device refurbishment be restricted to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) following the government’s suspension of refurbished imports.

The association also urged bringing medical devices under the Electronics Repair Services Outsourcing (ERSO) scheme.

MTaI highlighted the stress on healthcare in tier 2–4 cities and rural areas, where small private providers rely heavily on affordable pre-owned equipment, including CT, MRI, and robotic systems.

"Over 70% of facilities here are small private providers who rely on affordable pre-owned equipment like CT, MRI, and now even robotic systems," the association said.

MTaI chairman Pavan Choudary warned that prolonged suspension could affect providers and jobs. He suggested allowing interim imports with DGHS and MoEFCC approvals and stressed the difference between import substitution and import replacement.

Choudary explained that substitution, driven by tariffs and subsidies, can reduce competitiveness, while replacement fosters organic growth. He cited Japan’s bicycle repair ecosystem, which evolved from repairs to spare part production and complete manufacturing, benefiting cities and village economies.

"Globally, pre-owned medical equipment accounts for 7–9% of needs in the US and EU, with countries like the UK, Japan, Canada, South Korea, and Australia already permitting such trade. To guarantee quality and patient safety, MTaI recommends limiting refurbishment of medical devices to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)," Choudary said.

OEM-led refurbishment ensures devices are updated with genuine spares under strict regulatory compliance, expanding access and affordability beyond metros while creating skilling opportunities aligned with India’s goal to export 2 lakh healthcare workers annually.

The association also urged extending the ERSO scheme to medical devices. The Bengaluru pilot with Lenovo and Flex reduced customs clearance from 10–15 days to 2–3 and enabled exports to the US and Europe. "With the government targeting 20% of the $100 billion global repair market, medical device refurbishment presents a natural extension," MTaI noted.

Expanding ERSO could attract global expertise, support export growth, and develop advanced systems for component harvesting.

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