The medical devices industry has witnessed rapid expansion in recent years, in line with the growth in healthcare facilities in the country. Medical devices are broadly categorised into medical and diagnostic equipment, implants, plastic disposables, imaging and diagnostic devices. The industry also includes medical techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), chromatography and so on. Medical devices assist physicians in diagnosis and treatment of diseases and also help in chronic conditions and post-operative recovery. Recent technological innovations have led to considerable development of the medical devices industry. In India, domestic suppliers mainly cater to less expensive medical supplies and disposables, while the market for costly medical equipment is largely provided for by imports. In fact, over dependence on imports and a strict regulatory framework are some of the problems plaguing the medical devices industry at present. At the same time, low penetration in rural areas presents immense potential for the expansion of this vital industry. Hide this