National Medical Summit in Vapi Focuses on Affordable Tech and Local R&D

The Indian Medical Parliamentarians' Forum convened the National Policy Summit on MedTech Access on September 22 at Meril Academy in Vapi under the theme 'Swasth Bharat Se Saksham Bharat'. The event brought together Members of Parliament, senior government officials, clinical experts and industry leaders to discuss strengthening India's medical technology sector and expanding access to affordable healthcare. The summit was chaired by Dr Anil Sukhdeorao Bonde, a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and chairperson of the IMPF. Officials from the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Indian Council of Medical Research, National Health Authority, and AIIMS Nagpur participated in the discussions. Two main panel discussions examined building a competitive MedTech ecosystem and expanding patient access through innovation. Dr Shivaji Bandappa Kalge and Shri Manoj Joshi chaired the first panel on local research, manufacturing capabilities and regulatory frameworks. Dr Jashvantsinh Parmar chaired the second panel focusing on clinical evidence, health technology financing and technology adoption in healthcare systems. Dr Bonde stated that innovation needs sustainable access and evidence, while aiming for Indian innovation and affordable care for every patient. Shri Manoj Kumar Joshi noted that self-reliance in medical devices requires credible quality standards and stronger domestic supply chains. Dr Prashant P. Joshi suggested that medical institutions should collaborate with engineering institutes like IIT Bombay to address clinical needs.