Chinese-made medical devices have become common in India, but their growing use has sparked serious concerns among Indian medical technology leaders. They worry that these devices might be sending sensitive data back to China. According to industry representatives, such devices are no longer just tools for healthcare—they could pose risks to India’s defense and national security.
During a recent meeting with Union Minister Piyush Goyal, medical tech industry leaders asked the government to tighten rules on importing such products. They said that if the inflow of Chinese devices continues without strong checks, it could hurt both India’s safety and its local industry. They called for strict rules to protect healthcare data and India’s medical systems.
Minister Goyal assured the group that the government is focused on keeping patients safe, offering affordable medical devices, and boosting local manufacturing in the growing medical device industry. The government’s goal is to support innovation in India while protecting national interests.
Security and Data Concerns
Industry experts are especially worried about imported medical devices from countries considered “hostile,” like China. Devices used for imaging or patient monitoring often connect to the internet or use smart technology. These connections could be used to install malware or bugs, putting patient data and hospital networks at risk. Experts warn that these threats could be used in modern cyber warfare, targeting India’s healthcare systems.
There’s also a problem with the import of used or refurbished medical devices. Many of these come into India through third-party countries to avoid strict rules. Industry insiders say these devices may not meet India’s safety standards, which can affect the quality of care patients receive. They also believe this trend is harmful to the growth of the Indian med-tech industry. The use of older, foreign-made machines could reduce investments in local innovation and make India rely too much on outside suppliers.
Government Action
To tackle this issue, the government stopped the import of refurbished medical devices in January 2025. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) said the ban would stay until proper rules are made to control such imports. A special committee has been formed to create these rules. Their task is to find a balance between keeping patients safe, maintaining affordable care, and supporting local manufacturing.
India’s rules for importing medical devices come under the Medical Devices Rules, 2017. These laws ensure all imported equipment meets Indian safety and quality standards. Although the U.S. is India’s biggest supplier of medical devices, China is not far behind. Industry groups have asked the government to prevent Chinese products from entering India through other countries to dodge tighter checks.
Looking ahead, the focus is on making sure medical devices stay both safe and affordable, especially for rural areas. While the government’s recent steps are supported by local manufacturers, some people are still worried about how this will affect access to cheaper medical tools in remote parts of the country.
In short, India is working to bring more control over medical device imports. This includes better quality checks and stronger support for Indian-made devices. These actions aim to reduce security risks and make India more self-reliant in the field of medical technology.
Also read: https://news.concur.live/gujarat-companies-crack-down-on-digital-risks-to-stop-leaks/