Government seeks assistance from hospitals regarding medical devices.

Current scenario

• Some hospitals are importing medical devices from original equipment manufacturers.
• Import license is required for medical devices, but there is no provision on whether a hospital can directly procure them.

Consultation with experts

The health ministry has sought consultation with experts from top hospitals to understand the process followed for procuring medical devices.

Proposal by the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB)

The DTAB proposed making a provision in the Medical Devices Rules, 2017 for allowing hospitals to import medical devices directly. The provision would require hospitals to be covered by a license for import, subject to certain conditions.

Government response

Queries sent to the health ministry did not receive any response.