WHO collaboration strengthens India’s position as healthcare innovation leader: minister

New Delhi, August 10 (IANS): The government said its partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) for manufacturing medical devices strengthens India’s position as a leader in healthcare innovation.

Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh said that despite indigenous manufacturing of devices, we need to produce them in quantities that will meet the growing demand.

For this purpose, a MoU was signed between the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Kerala, operating under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and the world health organisation.

“The Ministry of Science and Technology is proud to be part of the Agreement as it allows SCTIMST and the Department of Science and Technology to partner with global entrepreneurs, license technologies and generate revenues through licensing fees,” the Minister said.

Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for an “Atmanirbhar Bharat” amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Singh emphasised that by promoting indigenous manufacturing and reducing dependence on imports, this partnership strengthens India’s position as a leader in healthcare innovation.

Moreover, it contributes to the development of a highly qualified workforce, which additionally increases the country’s production potential, the minister said.

The minister also highlighted the world-class facilities related to the development of technologies such as in vitro research, genomics, precision medicine and vaccine production, adding that the technology developed by SCTIMST is part of the rapidly growing medical diagnostics ecosystem.

The Minister expressed confidence in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO), which will result in further development of technology and innovation and will also support the strengthening of international partnerships.

Dr. Singh noted that this partnership strengthens India’s position as a leader in healthcare innovation, with a focus on “Technology in Medical Diagnostics.”