Jitendra Singh Lauds SCTIMST for Indigenous Medical Devices, Calls for Scale-Up

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences; and Minister of State for the PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Friday praised the pioneering contributions of the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Thiruvananthapuram in the field of affordable and high-quality medical devices.

The Minister inaugurated an exhibition titled “Innovation for Self-Reliance – Accelerating Healthcare with Indigenous Medical Device Development – The Sree Chitra Contributions”, showcasing the institute’s breakthroughs in healthcare technology.

SCTIMST: At the Forefront of Affordable Innovation

Dr. Singh noted that SCTIMST has emerged as a leading model of Atmanirbhar Bharat in healthcare, producing life-saving technologies that significantly reduce India’s dependence on costly imports. The institute’s innovations include:

• Indigenously developed heart valves provided to over 2 lakh patients.

• MRI-compatible cerebrospinal fluid shunts used in 2,000 patients worldwide.

• Hemostasis Patch, a critical tool for trauma management and battlefield care.

He remarked that while the institute has made remarkable achievements, they remain under-recognized even in top medical institutions. To increase visibility, he suggested that SCTIMST showcase its technologies in major public and healthcare hubs like New Delhi, with active involvement of civil society, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.

A Global Vision: Atmanirbhar, Vishwabandhu and Viksit Bharat

Placing the institute’s achievements in a broader policy context, Dr. Singh highlighted their alignment with three national visions:

• Atmanirbhar Bharat – by reducing reliance on imported devices.

• Vishwabandhu Bharat – by exporting devices such as heart valves and shunts to global markets, enhancing India’s role as a “friend to the world.”

• Viksit Bharat 2047 – by enabling revenue generation, industry collaborations, and building India’s position as a global healthcare hub.

He said SCTIMST demonstrates India’s capability to combine high-quality science with cost-effectiveness, ensuring that advanced healthcare solutions are accessible to all.

Combining the “Four Ts” for a Holistic Model

The Minister emphasized that SCTIMST has created a unique ecosystem by integrating the “Four Ts” — Teaching, Training, Treatment, and Trade. This model, common in developed countries but rare in India, enables the institute to deliver healthcare while simultaneously building skills, advancing research, and generating economic value through device manufacturing.

He underlined that such a holistic approach can serve as a blueprint for similar institutions nationwide, ensuring that India’s medical research and healthcare delivery are mutually reinforcing.

Medical Technology Sector: A Booming Frontier

Highlighting India’s rapid growth in the healthcare technology space, Dr. Singh said:

• The Indian medical device sector is currently valued at USD 12 billion (2025).

• It is growing at nearly 20% annually, with projections to reach USD 50 billion by 2030.

Institutions like SCTIMST, he added, with recognition from WHO and collaborations with national agencies such as ICMR, DBT, CSIR, DRDO, and INSA, are well positioned to drive this sector forward.

Affordability and Industry Collaboration

Dr. Singh called for scaling up production of SCTIMST’s devices while ensuring that affordability remains central. He noted that strategic partnerships with private industry can accelerate innovation, increase accessibility, and support India’s growing reputation as a hub for medical tourism.

“By building on its achievements, Sree Chitra can serve both national health priorities and global demand, reinforcing India’s role as a trusted contributor to world healthcare,” the Minister said.

Distinguished Attendees

The event was attended by prominent figures including:

• Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Former Secretary, Department of Science & Technology (DST)

• Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, DST

• Prof. Kris Gopalakrishnan, President, SCTIMST

• Dr. Sanjay Behari, Director, SCTIMST

• Senior faculty members, scientists, and industry partners.

Towards a Self-Reliant Healthcare Future

Dr. Singh concluded by stressing that India’s aspiration to emerge as a global destination for cost-effective healthcare rests on the successful scaling of indigenous innovations like those from SCTIMST. With consistent government support, robust industry linkages, and greater public awareness, India can transform its healthcare landscape and contribute significantly to global health by 2047.