Why in news?
The Mission for Advancement in High‑Impact Areas (MAHA) – Medical Technology was launched in late October 2025 by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Gates Foundation. The programme seeks to accelerate the development of affordable medical devices and diagnostics in India. It aims to cut dependence on costly imports and to make high‑quality technologies available to patients across the country.
Background
India relies heavily on imported medical devices, which pushes up healthcare costs and limits access. To address this, the government conceived the MAHA MedTech Mission – a five‑year initiative that supports researchers, start‑ups, hospitals and industry in bringing new devices from idea to market. Funding is milestone‑based: most projects can receive between ₹5 crore and ₹25 crore, while exceptional proposals may receive up to ₹50 crore. Applicants must first submit a short concept note; selected proposals are then invited to send a detailed application along with a technology development plan.
Key objectives
- Public health impact: Focus on devices and diagnostics that address priority disease areas and improve access to safe, high‑quality care for underserved populations.
- Affordability and accessibility: Support innovations that reduce costs so that advanced medical technologies reach patients in both urban and rural settings.
- Self‑reliance and competitiveness: Catalyse indigenous research, manufacturing and industry–academia collaboration to build a strong domestic MedTech ecosystem.
Features of the mission
- Diverse eligibility: Academic institutions, research labs, hospitals, start‑ups, MSMEs and consortia can apply.
- Milestone‑linked funding: Grants range from ₹5–25 crore per project, with a possibility of higher funding for exceptional technologies.
- Enabling support: National initiatives such as Patent Mitra (for intellectual‑property protection), MedTech Mitra (for regulatory clearances) and a Clinical Trial Network (for validation and evidence generation) help innovators navigate the pathway from lab to market.
- Five‑year duration: The mission will run for five years, allowing time for research, prototyping, testing and commercialisation.
Significance
- Reducing import dependence: By nurturing home‑grown devices, India can spend less on foreign products and build resilience against supply‑chain disruptions.
- Spurring economic growth: Indigenous MedTech manufacturing creates jobs, supports MSMEs and attracts investment in high‑technology sectors.
- Improving health outcomes: Affordable and locally made devices can expand access to diagnostics and treatment, especially in public hospitals and rural clinics.
- Building innovation culture: The mission encourages collaboration between universities, hospitals and industry, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Conclusion
The MAHA MedTech Mission is India’s most ambitious programme for developing and commercialising medical technologies. By investing in research and providing regulatory and intellectual‑property support, the mission could transform India into a global hub for affordable medical devices.
Source: Press Information Bureau