"When domestic and global players stand together, it strengthens the entire diagnostics ecosystem"

The Association of Diagnostics Manufacturers of India (ADMI), the apex body representing the country's in vitro diagnostics (IVD) industry, has announced the election of Jatin Mahajan, Managing Director of J. Mitra & Co., as its new President recently. In an interaction with BioSpectrum India Mahajan explains how ADMI can create inclusive working groups and open forums within the association, allowing MNCs and Indian firms to share perspectives and align on goals. 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 & 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?