Ban medical imports, says Association of Indian Medical Device Manufacturers

Hyderabad: The Association of Indian Medical Device Manufacturers has opposed the import of any pre-owned or refurbished medical equipment that is being demanded by a section of healthcare companies.

“There is a lobby of importers and foreign healthcare companies that is trying to push these products into Indian hospitals for re-use,” an association member said. The association has approached the Union ministry of health and family welfare to prevent the entry of pre-owned medical equipment into the country.

The association raised serious questions on the safety issue. Equipment used for radiology and endoscopy were in the first category which the importers are trying to push into the Indian market, the association said.

Association coordinator Rajiv Nath said, “Why must we import second hand products? Why must Indian patients be subjected to sub-standard processes?”