Medical device park
Why in News?
Three major medical device parks in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu are at advanced stages of development, with civil construction nearing completion.
About
- Grant Disbursement: The Government of India has already disbursed ₹210 crore in grant-in-aid to these three parks to accelerate infrastructure development.
- Manufacturer Allotment: Land has been allotted to 194 manufacturers across these three parks, and 34 units have already commenced plant construction.
- Withdrawal of Himachal Project: Interestingly, Himachal Pradesh—originally one of the four selected states—withdrew its proposal in late 2024 due to funding and feasibility issues, leaving the focus on the remaining three.
Core Objectives
- Cost Reduction: By providing shared "Common Infrastructure Facilities" (CIFs), the parks aim to significantly lower production costs.
- Self-Reliance: Directly supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives to boost domestic production of high-end equipment like MRI and CT scan machines.
- Enhanced Competitiveness: Optimising resources through economies of scale to make Indian medical devices more affordable globally.
Financial & Support Framework
- Grant-in-Aid: The central government provides up to 70% of the project cost for common facilities (90% for hilly/NE states), capped at ₹100 crore per park.
- Total Outlay: The original scheme was sanctioned with a total budget of ₹400 crore.
- State Implementation: Projects are executed by State Implementing Agencies (SIAs), such as the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) in Uttar Pradesh.
Key Infrastructure & Facilities
- Specialised Labs: Parks feature 13+ specialised laboratories, including IoMT (Internet of Medical Things), AI/ML computing, and bio-material testing.
- Technical Units: Essential facilities such as Gamma Irradiation labs (for cancer care sterilization), rapid prototyping, and 3D design centers.
- Integrated Ecosystem: Beyond manufacturing, they include support services like incubation centres, skill development hubs, and administrative offices.
Target Locations
- Uttar Pradesh (Greater Noida): Set to be North India's largest integrated hub near the Noida International Airport.
- Madhya Pradesh (Ujjain): One of the three currently active projects receiving central funding.
- Tamil Nadu (Kanchipuram): Strategically located to leverage the existing industrial base in the state.
- Existing Hubs: Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) in Visakhapatnam remains one of the largest pre-existing operational hubs in the country.
