India’s Med-Tech Sector Eyes USD250 Billion, But Maintenance Emerges As The Next Challenge

But as the country seeks to become a global medical technology hub, a less visible challenge could determine whether expensive equipment actually delivers safe and reliable healthcare — how effectively it is serviced and maintained. The report, ‘Service and Maintenance of Medical Equipment in.

India will also need a robust ecosystem for servicing, calibration, repair and lifecycle management of medical equipment. Medical devices are now integral to modern healthcare, supporting diagnosis, patient monitoring, emergency response, surgery and advanced treatment.

What Happened

But their value does not end with procurement or installation. Poorly maintained equipment can result in downtime, financial losses and, more importantly, risks to patient safety.

• Archana JyotiPublished on: 11 August 2026 10:45 am India’s Med-Tech Sector Eyes USD250 Billion, But Maintenance Emerges As The Next Challenge: ReportIndia’s medical device industry could emerge as a USD 250-billion sector by 2047.

• The report estimates that 30-40% of medical device maintenance in India is carried out by unregulated service providers.

• Among surveyed tier-2 and tier-3 hospitals, 45% reported using such providers in the previous year.

Key Details

The White Paper calls for equipment maintenance to be viewed as a patient-safety issue rather than merely an engineering or administrative function. Regular servicing can improve reliability, reduce downtime, extend equipment life and ensure healthcare providers derive maximum value from their investments.

• While the Indian medical devices market is valued at around USD16 billion, the global market exceeds USD600 billion, offering immense opportunities for Indian manufacturers.

• These investments, he said, not only strengthen patient care but also contribute to creation of skilled jobs, developing local capabilities and positioning the country as an increasingly important hub for global MedTech operations.

• He called for strengthening indigenous capabilities in high-end Class C and Class D medical devices and in vitro diagnostics, while ensuring faster, transparent and predictable regulatory approvals.

Why It Matters

The challenge is particularly significant as medical technology becomes increasingly sophisticated and expensive. Hospitals in smaller cities and towns, where specialised technical expertise and service networks may be limited, can face greater difficulty in keeping critical equipment operational.

• Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI said that India’s medical devices sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation from an import-driven market to a domestic manufacturing-led ecosystem.

• India must move beyond the import substitution approach and build an export-orientated industry that serves global markets.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by Outlook India as more details emerge