The Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD) on behalf of the Indian Medical Device Industry has written to Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi requesting a Department of Medical Devices and a Ministry of Life Sciences / Healthcare Products. 

Highlighting the urgent need for a separate department for medical devices, the letter from AiMeD requested the PM to change the name of the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) to Department of Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices or to have a separate Department of Medical Devices so that, the manufacturers will be assured that the government is taking this sector seriously as medical devices are not pharmaceuticals, though both may be medical products. The current name reflects the focus on the mature sector of pharmaceuticals and the ignored 80 per cent import-dependent sector of medical devices.

The current team needs to be supported with the required expertise by at least four persons i.e. one each from a background in Medical, BioMedical Engineering, Product Development & Marketing with experience from DST / DBT / BIRAC / DHR / MOH&FW / BCIL / NHSRC / EEPC / IBEF may be considered, said the letter.

The remodelled department will facilitate the creation and development of clusters for medical devices, creation of laboratories and service centres under PPP & Skill Development of Personnel in the field of manufacturing, sales, service and regulations.

The letter suggested that the department could be placed in the Ministry of Health as its extension with a Ministry of Health Care Products or Ministry of Life Sciences.