AMTZ pushes for stronger MedTech sector
Strengthening domestic medical device manufacturing, improving testing and validation infrastructure, and ensuring access to critical raw materials and components were among the issues discussed at a roundtable meeting held at the Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) here on Tuesday.
Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, held discussions with MedTech manufacturers and industry representatives during his visit to AMTZ. Aman Sharma, Joint Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, accompanied him.
Mr. Joshi, along with Jitendra Sharma, Managing Director and Founder-CEO of AMTZ, and representatives of manufacturing units, reviewed measures to build an integrated ecosystem for medical device manufacturing and reduce the sector’s dependence on imports.
The discussions also covered the need to expand testing and validation capabilities and facilitate greater access to key components and raw materials, with a focus on accelerating indigenous innovation in medical technology.
Mr. Joshi said AMTZ provided an integrated model for supporting the medical devices sector. “I have not seen a model like this elsewhere,” he said, while acknowledging the work being undertaken at the facility to strengthen the country’s medical devices ecosystem.
AMTZ-HBCHRC pact
The visit also saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between AMTZ and the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCHRC) for collaboration in radiopharmaceuticals, radiochemistry and oncology research.
The collaboration will bring together the infrastructure and technological capabilities available at AMTZ’s Techtron facility with the oncology research and clinical expertise of HBCHRC.
Mr. Aman Sharma said the integrated facilities at AMTZ provided medical device manufacturers with access to infrastructure under a single ecosystem.
The visit also marked the inauguration of Dentic World, a facility aimed at strengthening capabilities in dental technology. The facility will bring research, design, prototyping and advanced manufacturing together to support the development and commercialisation of indigenous dental technologies.
Jitendra Sharma said the development of India’s medical devices sector had been the result of sustained efforts by various stakeholders. He reiterated AMTZ’s focus on supporting a self-reliant medical technology ecosystem and developing technologies for healthcare applications in the country.