India calls for tougher medical-device testing as quality concerns surface

Pharma Secretary Manoj Joshi said India needs stronger finished-product testing and a device-specific regulatory framework amid concerns over poor-quality products. The government is also targeting 40–45% domestic value addition through component and SME incentives.

— Source published Fri, 21 Aug, 2026, 21:07 IST · First seen Fri, 21 Aug, 2026, 21:15 IST · Source The Hindu BusinessLine

What happened

Department of Pharmaceuticals · Pharma Secretary Manoj Joshi called for stronger finished-product testing and a medical-device-specific regulatory framework,

Key facts

  • 10-15 years
  • 40-45% domestic value addition

Why this matters

Strategic buyers should prioritize targets with validated quality systems, testing capabilities, and localized component supply chains.

What to watch

  • Publication of a device-specific regulatory framework, mandatory testing rules or revised Medical Devices Rules.
  • New CDSCO enforcement actions, warning notices, recalls, import holds or license cancellations.
  • Government announcements detailing component-manufacturing and SME incentive eligibility.
  • Testing-lab capacity expansion, turnaround times and accreditation requirements.
  • Price movement and in-stock rates for imported home-health and diagnostic-device categories.
  • Audit medical-device SKUs by manufacturer registration, testing evidence, import dependency and adverse-event history.
  • Require supplier indemnities, quality certificates, batch traceability and recall-service commitments before renewing listings.
  • Shift procurement toward certified domestic manufacturers while dual-sourcing critical consumables to avoid approval-related stockouts.
  • Build compliance-ready product pages and staff training for regulated claims, usage guidance and recall communication.
  • Model margin and demand sensitivity under higher device acquisition costs and selectively pass through price increases.