Enhancing domestic production capabilities has been the aim of the entire manufacturing federation since long. The government has revised custom duties on key components of x-ray machines. This decision is expected to catalyze the local manufacture of these essential medical devices, which play a critical role in diagnosing conditions such as bone fractures, pneumonia, and dental problems. 

The primary objective of this revision is to stimulate the domestic production of x-ray machines, which is expected to reduce overall costs in the long term. The revised rates are anticipated to positively impact the x-ray machine industry by making components more readily available at lower costs. This change will bolster the domestic medical device sector and make advanced medical imaging more accessible and affordable.

Currently, the majority of digital x-ray machines are imported either fully assembled or in parts and then put together in India. The industry’s representation before the Department of Pharmaceuticals highlighted that manufacturing capacities for x-ray tubes and flat panel detectors are still under development within the country. As a result, a request was made for a revision in the Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP) schedule for these components.

After thorough examination, it was determined that it would take approximately two years to establish sufficient domestic capacity to meet the country’s requirements for x-ray tubes and flat panel detectors. Following this assessment, the Department of Pharmaceuticals requested the Revenue Department to revise the rates, which has now been implemented.

Dr. Harsh Mahajan, Chairman and Founder of Mahajan Imaging and Chairman of FICCI’s Health Services Committee, remarked, “Currently, digital x-ray machines imported from the US and China range from Rs 18 lakh to over a crore. If domestic manufacturing succeeds, these machines can be produced at a significantly lower cost, eventually leading to reduced imaging costs. This could also ensure wider availability of x-ray machines, including in primary health centers across the country.”

Dr. Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, MD and CEO of Fortis Healthcare, welcomed the government’s move, stating that the revised custom duty on key x-ray components would foster local manufacturing. However, he noted that several long standing demands of the healthcare sector remain unaddressed, such as increasing healthcare expenditure to 2.5% of the GDP.

This policy change marks a crucial step towards self-reliance in the medical device sector, with potential long-term benefits for both healthcare providers and patients by making advanced diagnostic tools more affordable and widely available.

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