Why is it in the news?

• MedTech Mitra was recently launched virtually by the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers.

Key Features

• A dedicated web platform aimed at fostering the development of affordable and accessible indigenous medical devices and in-vitro diagnostics.
• Designed to provide strategic handholding support to MedTech innovators, offering assistance in assessing clinical viability, regulatory facilitation, and adopting new products.
• MedTech Mitra will address innovators’ queries and provide personalized guidance through consultation with regulatory bodies and other relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinated collaboratively by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) under the guidance of NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission.

Significance

• Aims to enable the indigenous development of cost-effective and high-quality MedTech devices and diagnostics, thereby reducing the current import dependence in the MedTech sector, which stands at around 80%.
• Facilitates innovation and research and development (R&D) activities, especially for emerging startups in the field of medical technology.
• Aligns with the larger goal of promoting self-reliance and innovation in the healthcare sector, contributing to the country’s overall technological and healthcare capabilities.