Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Debasis Panda yesterday said, the government is planning to introduce new guidelines for the medical device industry and is presently working on regulations in discussion with the industry to create a new regulatory structure for the medical devices industry as part of its effort towards achieving quality healthcare for all

Speaking at the medical technology conference organised by the Industry body CII here on Tuesday, Panda said, "The Government is in the process of creating a new and better regulatory structure for the medical devices industry as part of its effort towards achieving quality healthcare for all."

Panda said that in the next couple of months, the government will provide regulations for the medical devices industry, which is growing in a haphazard manner. "The Health and Family Welfare Ministry is working towards a switch from a control regime to a regulatory regime to cope with the new technologies and treatments that are now available," he said.

The domestic medical equipment industry is estimated at 2.17 billion dollars and is growing at 15 per cent per annum. It is estimated to reach 4.97 billion dollars by 2012.

Anjan Bose, Conference Chairman and Senior Director and Business Head, Philips Electronics India Ltd said, "The medical services and devices industry must tap into this emerging market and explore the potential of India as a future production hub while focusing on improving the quality of healthcare, R&D and ethical issues."