"GST reduction makes diagnostics more accessible and supports “Make in India” vision by levelling the field for local products"

The Association of Diagnostics Manufacturers of India (ADMI), the apex body representing 80-90 domestic and multinational in vitro diagnostics (IVD) companies, has announced the election of Jatin Mahajan, Managing Director of J. Mitra & Co., as its new President recently. Under his leadership, ADMI aims to foster greater collaboration between Indian firms and global players through inclusive working groups and open forums. By presenting a unified industry voice, the association plans to engage policymakers and regulators more effectively, advocating for regulatory reforms, quality standards, tax rationalization, and other supportive policies. In an interaction with BioSpectrum Asia Mahajan emphasizes that aligning perspectives across the sector will not only ensure a level playing field but also drive sustainable growth, strengthen India's diagnostics ecosystem, and enhance its global competitiveness. Edited excerpts;

- Sanjiv Das

Being the newly appointed president of the ADMI, how do you foresee the future of India's diagnostic sector?

I am optimistic about the future of India's diagnostic sector. We're at a juncture where diagnostics are rightly being recognised as a cornerstone of healthcare. In the coming years, I see India becoming a global hub for affordable, high-quality diagnostics. Our industry is growing at a double-digit rate, and I anticipate that momentum will continue. More Indian companies will move up the value chain - not just making basic kits, but developing sophisticated molecular diagnostics, AI-driven testing tools, and even exporting lab automation systems. The Promotion of Research and Innovation in the Pharma-MedTech Sector (PRIP) will catalyse increased spending on R&D, and we anticipate the resultant positive outcomes in the years to come. With initiatives like the PLI scheme creating “global champion” IVD firms out of India, we will have a stronger manufacturing base and innovation pipeline.

Domestically, diagnostics will penetrate deeper: I expect a laboratory or point-of-care facility in every small town, enabled by cost-effective tech developed here. From a global perspective, India's reputation as an exporter of reliable diagnostic products will be solidified – we're already seeing our export growth outpace imports. This trend should enable us to become net exporters by the end of the decade. As ADMI President, I plan to push for all the necessary enablers to realise this vision. The future is one where Indian-developed diagnostic tests and devices are used worldwide, and every citizen has access to timely and accurate tests at home. In short, the outlook is of robust growth and innovation, with India's diagnostics sector attaining a position of global leadership while saving millions of lives through early and precise disease detection.

How big and diverse is the IVD market in India?