In a significant move to advance the medical technology sector in India, the Government of India announced the launch of the Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas (MAHA)-Medical Technology on Saturday. This initiative aims to diminish the country”s reliance on expensive imports while ensuring equitable access to affordable, high-quality healthcare technologies.
The campaign, which began on September 15, was introduced by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation in partnership with the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Gates Foundation.
To facilitate the development of impactful medical technology solutions, the MAHA-Med Tech Mission will offer funding support between Rs 5 crore and Rs 50 crore. This funding is intended for various stakeholders, including academic and research institutions, hospitals, startups, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as well as collaborations within the MedTech industry.
The application process for funding consists of two stages, with the first stage requiring the submission of a concept note by November 7. The Mission encourages projects that align with national health priorities, addressing areas such as tuberculosis, cancer, neonatal care, and primary healthcare.
To foster the creation of indigenous medical technology, the MAHA-Med Tech Mission will encompass a wide range of innovative medical devices and in-vitro diagnostics. This includes equipment, key subcomponents, implants, assistive and surgical devices, consumables, and software-based medical solutions.
