Procurement plans for FY24

The Indian Medical Technology (MedTech) and In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) industry has witnessed remarkable growth over the years, contributing significantly to the country’s healthcare sector. As we look ahead to FY24 and beyond, this article aims to explore the procurement plans, technological trends, vision, expectations, challenges, and other key aspects that will shape the future of the Indian MedTech and IVD industry.

Procurement plans for FY24
In FY24, the Indian government’s focus on strengthening the healthcare infrastructure is likely to drive significant procurement in the MedTech and IVD sectors. With an emphasis on reducing the dependence on imports, domestic manufacturing and indigenous production will receive considerable support through initiatives like Make in India. This will result in increased funding for research and development, infrastructure development, and innovation in the sector.

Technological backing and advancements
Technological advancements will play a crucial role in shaping the Indian MedTech and IVD industry. The sector will witness a surge in investments in cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), Robotics, and Nanotechnology. These technologies will enable more accurate diagnoses, personalized treatments, and improved patient outcomes.

AI-driven diagnostics will revolutionize the IVD industry by enabling faster and more precise testing, thereby reducing the turnaround time for test results. IoMT devices will facilitate seamless data exchange between healthcare providers, leading to improved patient monitoring and preventive care. Robotic-assisted surgeries will gain prominence, offering higher precision and reducing the invasiveness of procedures.

Vision for the Indian MedTech and IVD industry
The vision for the Indian MedTech and IVD industry revolves around achieving self-reliance, promoting innovation, and enhancing accessibility to quality healthcare across the nation. By promoting indigenous manufacturing and research, the industry aims to reduce import dependency and achieve cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality.

Furthermore, the industry envisions collaborating with healthcare professionals, academia, and government bodies to create an ecosystem that fosters innovation, research, and development. This collaborative approach will empower the sector to address unique healthcare challenges prevalent in the Indian population.

Andhra Pradesh Medtech Zone (AMTZ) has emerged as a significant contributor to the Indian Medtech and IVD industry. It being India’s first medical technology manufacturing ecosystem, fosters innovation, research, and indigenous production,hence facilitating affordable and quality medical devices, reducing import dependency and contributing to the government’s Make in India vision. AMTZ is India’s premier medical technology park with common manufacturing facilities and common scientific facilities that includes specialized laboratories, warehousing and testing centers such as the Center for 3D-Printing, Centers for Lasers, MRI Superconducting Magnets, Gamma Irradiation Center and many other industrial service centers.

In the nation’s battle against the pandemic, AMTZ contributed by producing over 100 ventilators, 500 oxygen concentrators, 1 lakh N-95 masks, and 10 lakh RT PCR kits every day. Many innovations from AMTZ such as mobile container hospitals were sent even to the remotest parts of the country that symbolizes the strength of Make in India. India’s first indigenous Computed Tomography (CT), Super Conducting magnet and MRI machine are being manufactured in the same cluster, reducing the price of end product benchmarked with international standards.

Heading into the next couple of years – Expectations
Over the next couple of years, the Indian MedTech and IVD industry is expected to experience rapid growth and transformation. Several key expectations include:

• Increased market size. The Indian MedTech and IVD market is expected to witness a significant increase in size due to rising healthcare awareness, increased funding, and favourable government policies.
• Focus on preventive healthcare. The industry will shift towards preventive healthcare, with greater emphasis on early diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.
• Medical tourism boost. India has emerged as a popular destination for medical tourism due to its cost-effective and high-quality healthcare services. The MedTech and IVD industry will play a significant role in attracting medical tourists seeking advanced treatments and diagnostics. As the industry continues to innovate and expand, it will contribute to the growth of medical tourism, bringing in foreign exchange and bolstering the Indian economy.
• Innovative financing models. To facilitate the adoption of advanced medical technologies, innovative financing models such as pay-as-you-go, leasing options, and subscription-based services may become popular. These models are expected to reduce financial barriers for healthcare providers and encourage the wider adoption of state-of-the-art medical devices and diagnostics.

Challenges ahead
Despite the promising growth prospects, the Indian MedTech and IVD industry will face certain challenges that must be addressed for sustainable development:

• Regulatory compliance. Striking the right balance between promoting innovation and ensuring patient safety through effective regulatory measures will be a challenge for the industry.
• Cost management. Balancing the cost of research, development, and manufacturing with the affordability of healthcare solutions will be critical in the Indian context.
• Data security and privacy. With the increasing adoption of digital health technologies and electronic health records, data security and privacy will become paramount. The industry will need to prioritize robust cybersecurity measures and adhere to strict data protection regulations to safeguard patient information.
• Skill development and training. To keep up with the rapid technological advancements in the MedTech and IVD sector, there will be a strong demand for skill development and training for healthcare professionals and technicians. Continuous education programs, workshops, and training sessions will be essential to ensure that healthcare workers are proficient in using and maintaining the latest medical technologies effectively.
• Environmental sustainability solutions. The government’s procurement plans will include technologies that promote environmental sustainability and conservation. This encompasses solutions for waste management, water conservation, air pollution control, and eco-friendly practices in various industries. Investments in green technologies will be instrumental in mitigating the impact of climate change and preserving the environment for future generations.

Other aspects of the industry

• Telemedicine and digital health. The integration of telemedicine and digital health platforms will enhance healthcare accessibility, especially in rural areas, by providing remote consultations and monitoring.
• Public-Private Partnerships. Collaborations between public and private stakeholders will be instrumental in driving innovation, R&D, and efficient healthcare delivery.
• Data security and privacy. As the industry becomes more data-driven, ensuring the security and privacy of patient information will be paramount.

Outlook
The overall future of the Indian MedTech and IVD industry is very promising and therefore, the technological advancements and strategic vision for the industry present immense opportunities for growth and development for all stakeholders.

The procurement plans for FY-24, with a focus on domestic manufacturing and indigenous production, align perfectly with AMTZ’s mission. We are committed to developing and manufacturing a wide range of medical technologies that meet international standards and are accessible to all. By reducing import reliance, we can ensure cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality.

Technological advancements such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), robotics and nanotechnology are areas where AMTZ has already made significant progress. We have collaborated with industry leaders, research institutions and startups to develop cutting-edge medical technologies that improve patient outcomes and enhance healthcare delivery. Our facilities, including specialized laboratories and testing centers, enable us to manufacture advanced medical devices and diagnostics.

The vision for the Indian MedTech and IVD industry, centered around self-reliance, innovation, and accessibility to quality healthcare, resonates deeply with AMTZ. We believe in fostering a collaborative ecosystem that brings together healthcare professionals, academia, and government bodies to address the unique healthcare challenges faced by the Indian population. By working together, we can develop solutions that are tailored to our specific needs and improve healthcare outcomes for all.

Looking ahead, the expectations for the next couple of years including increased market size, a focus on preventive healthcare and a boost in medical tourism, present exciting opportunities. AMTZ is well-equipped to contribute to these expectations by continuing to innovate, collaborate, and manufacture state-of-the-art medical technologies. We will strive to attract medical tourists seeking advanced treatments and diagnostics, further bolstering the Indian economy.

However, we are also aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Regulatory compliance, cost management, data security and privacy, skill development and training, and environmental sustainability are areas that require our attention and proactive measures. AMTZ is committed to addressing these challenges and ensuring sustainable development in the industry.

Therefore, we are confident that the Indian MedTech and IVD industry is on a path of remarkable growth and transformation. AMTZ, with its commitment to innovation, research, and indigenous production, will play a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s future. Together with our partners and stakeholders, we will continue to drive the vision of self-reliance, innovation, and accessibility to quality healthcare, making a positive impact on the lives of millions of people in India and beyond.