Karnataka tops list on medical instruments value: Study

 Karnataka may have just eight per cent of factories in the Indian medical and dental instruments and supplies space, but in terms of value of production, it has come out on tops, notching up over 25 per cent of the total output of about Rs 5,300 crore, a study said.

Titled 'Indian Medical Devices Industry: The way ahead' and conducted by ASSOCHAM, the findings of the study are based on the analysis of state-wise distribution of manufacturers compiled as part of the Annual Survey of Industries 2011-12 by the central government.

Of the total 26 factories in this segment, 25 were under operation as of 2011-12.
The other key takeaway is Karnataka was ranked sixth when it came to direct employment in the sector, with the figure coming in close to 18,100.

At a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of over 15 per cent, imports of medical devices and equipment in India are likely to cross the USD 4 billion mark by 2018-19, from about USD 2.3 billion as of 2013-14, the study projected.

Growth of medical goods' exports to India is expected to continue, thanks to the burgeoning middle class, a growing medical tourism industry, higher private healthcare investment, an aging population and heightened government commitment, the study noted.