Govt set to frame new policy for refurbished med device imports

An inter-departmental high-level committee formed by the Centre has begun discussions on framing new rules to regulate the entry of refurbished or second-hand medical devices into India.

- SANKET KOUL

Valued at ₹1,500 crore, the pre-owned medical equipment market currently accounts for nearly 10 per cent of the overall medical equipment industry in the country, according to industry executives.

People familiar with the matter told Business Standard that while only a couple of meetings have been held so far, the committee has started reviewing data related to the refurbished devices market. Officials confirmed that the panel includes representatives from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), the Department of Pharmaceuticals, and industry stakeholders.