A recent visit by a delegation from Osaka University, Japan along with representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi, signals an important collaboration aimed at enhancing medical technology in India. This meeting focused on the creation of a National Centre for Medical Device Development, Validation and Skill Training at AIIMS, which is a significant initiative in the field of healthcare.
High-Level Discussions
The visit included a high-level meeting led by M Srinivas, the Director of AIIMS Delhi held in the Ramalingaswami Boardroom. The primary goal of this meeting was to discuss an ambitious project that aligns with India's "Make in India" initiative, specifically targeting the development of medical devices. This initiative is designed to promote domestic manufacturing and innovation in the medical field, which is crucial for improving healthcare accessibility and quality in India.
A Legacy of Collaboration
This visit is not an isolated event; it builds on a collaborative relationship that began nearly ten years ago. The partnership was initiated following a significant joint statement made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during their summit in Tokyo on September 1, 2014. This meeting laid the groundwork for future cooperation in medical research and development.
As a result of this summit, AIIMS and Osaka University formalized their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on October 13, 2014. This agreement marked a pioneering effort in research and development between medical institutions in India and Japan, focusing on creating innovative and cost-effective surgical instruments. The collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both institutions to advance medical technology and improve patient care.
In the recent discussions between the Japanese delegation and AIIMS Delhi represents a significant step towards enhancing India's capabilities in medical device development. By fostering international partnerships and focusing on local manufacturing, India can work towards achieving greater self-sufficiency in healthcare technology, ultimately benefiting patients across the nation.
Collaborative Efforts to Establish a Medical Device Research Center in India
A significant step towards advancing medical technology in India was marked by the recent visit of a Japanese delegation to AIIMS Delhi's Jhajjar campus. The delegation was led by Professor Kiyokazu Nakajima from the Department of Next-Generation Endoscopic Intervention at Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine. The central focus of their discussions was the creation of a cutting-edge, publicly-funded research centre dedicated to the development, validation, and training related to medical devices.
Key Objectives of the Visit
The discussions during the visit were primarily technical and aimed at laying down the foundation for the proposed research centre. The delegation also visited the designated site for the center at the Jhajjar campus of AIIMS Delhi. This visit represents the latest chapter in a series of collaborative efforts between AIIMS and Japanese institutions, which have steadily progressed over time.
Foundation of Collaboration
The groundwork for this collaboration was established through earlier efforts, which included AIIMS delegations travelling to Japan. These delegations received on-site training at leading Japanese facilities such as the Fukushima Medical Device Development Support Centre, the Medical Device Development Centre (MEDDEC) in Kobe and the medical device manufacturing company CASTEM Co. Limited in Hiroshima. Additionally, they held meetings with Overseas Medical Equipment Technical Assistants (OMETA) in Tokyo, where they explored strategies for ensuring the proposed center in India could be self-sustaining.
Insights and Experience Gained
The AIIMS delegations, led by Professor Hemanga K Bhattacharjee from the Department of Surgical Disciplines at AIIMS New Delhi were accompanied by experts from various other departments as well as scientists and technical officers. During their visit to Japan, they gained significant insights into the latest technological advancements in medical research. They also had the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities related to prototype conceptualization, computer-assisted design, 3D printing for rapid prototyping, and subsequent manufacturing processes. These experiences are expected to be instrumental in the successful establishment of the proposed research center in India.
The collaboration between AIIMS and Japanese institutions reflects a growing partnership aimed at enhancing medical technology in India. The proposed research center holds the promise of becoming a hub for innovation in medical devices, fostering advancements that could have a profound impact on healthcare both in India and beyond.
Reducing India's Dependence on Imported Medical Devices
India is heavily dependent on importing medical devices with more than 70% of its needs met by foreign suppliers. This innovative project seeks to change that by significantly reducing the country's reliance on imported medical equipment. The initiative aims to create a state-of-the-art center where Indian surgeons, physicians, and engineers can come together to conceptualize, design, develop, and test new medical device prototypes. This facility will provide a unique platform for collaboration and innovation, enabling the creation of high-quality medical devices that are both affordable and tailored to the needs of the Indian population.
Japan's Crucial Role in Technological Support
Japan will play a vital role in the success of this project by offering technology and knowledge transfer, which will be instrumental in setting up this pioneering facility. The support from Japan is expected to be a cornerstone in establishing the center, ensuring it meets the highest standards of innovation and efficiency.
Promoting Indigenous Innovation and Economic Growth
The establishment of this center aligns closely with the Government of India’s "Make in India" initiative which aims to foster local manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports. By providing a nurturing environment for the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the medical device sector, the project not only promises to enhance India’s self-reliance but also to stimulate economic growth. The development of affordable, high-quality medical devices within India will ultimately benefit the healthcare sector and thereby ensuring wider access to essential medical tools for the Indian population.
A Step Towards Self-Sufficiency in Healthcare
In conclusion, this project represents a significant step towards making India self-sufficient in the healthcare sector. By reducing the reliance on imports and encouraging local innovation, the initiative is controlled to revolutionise the medical device industry in the country. With Japan's support and a focus on indigenous development, the future looks promising for India’s healthcare landscape.
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