NITI Aayog is exploring comprehensive policy interventions to strengthen domestic manufacturing of medical and dental devices, with a focus on addressing regulatory hurdles, infrastructure gaps and cost disadvantages faced by Indian manufacturers. The initiative aims to improve the competitiveness of India’s medical technology (MedTech) sector and reduce reliance on imported healthcare products.

A consultation meeting chaired by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Lahiri brought together domestic medical device and dental equipment manufacturers, government officials, industry representatives and experts from IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay.

Officials from the departments of pharmaceuticals, health, science and technology, along with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), also participated. The Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD) and e-commerce platforms involved in dental device sales were among the participants.

During the consultation, stakeholders highlighted the challenges affecting local manufacturers, including complex regulatory procedures, limited access to testing and research infrastructure, high capital and energy costs, logistics expenses and restricted access to risk capital.

In its presentation to NITI Aayog, AiMeD said Indian manufacturers face a 10–15% cost disadvantage compared with competing products, partly because of higher operating costs and infrastructure constraints. The industry body also highlighted delays in setting up manufacturing facilities, stating that the process, which previously took around 18 months, can now take nearly four years due to multiple approvals, overlapping regulatory authorities and changing requirements.

AiMeD recommended a dedicated law for medical devices, simplified regulatory approvals and financial support for domestic manufacturers. The consultation also examined opportunities for government-industry collaboration to strengthen manufacturing capabilities and align policy interventions with India’s healthcare priorities.

The discussions build on existing government initiatives, including the National Medical Devices Policy, 2023, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for medical devices. The PLI scheme has an outlay of ₹3,420 crore. According to government data published in July 2026, 27 projects had been approved under the scheme, including 14 involving micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with reported investments of ₹1,153.07 crore and domestic production underway for several high-end medical devices.

NITI Aayog’s latest consultation signals a further effort to identify policy changes that can improve regulatory efficiency, strengthen domestic supply chains and support innovation. However, the policy measures remain under consideration, and no final recommendations or implementation timeline have been announced.