India’s medical device sector has grown from a $5 billion industry in 2020–21 to $18 billion, reflecting the country’s expanding capabilities in medical technology manufacturing and its transition from import dependence towards greater self-sufficiency. The sector’s growth, supported by government policies and increased manufacturing activity, was a key focus of the opening day of the 32nd edition of Medical Fair India 2026, organised by Messe Düsseldorf India at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai.

The three-day exhibition, being held from 17–19 September 2026, commenced with a lamp-lighting and ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a welcome address by Messe Düsseldorf India executives Lars Wismer, Regional Head of Messe Düsseldorf for Asia (MDfA); Ajay Kumar Gulati, General Manager, Messe Düsseldorf India; and Dr Rajiv Chhibber, Joint Forum Coordinator, Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD) and Member, Advisory Committee, Medical Fair India 2026.

The opening session of the 11th International Healthcare Conference featured Homer Chang, Director General, Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in Mumbai; Jamie Scattergood, Deputy Head of Mission, British Deputy High Commission, Mumbai; Dr Hui-Chen Su, Director, International Medical Center and Attending Neurologist, Department of Neurology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital; Sanjay Jha, Founder, Apaan Medtech; Khushbu Sharma, Joint Director, Voice of Healthcare; and Ajay Kumar Gulati, General Manager, Messe Düsseldorf India Pvt. Ltd.

Medical Fair India 2026 provided a platform for healthcare professionals, hospital procurement leaders, manufacturers, technology providers, distributors and other stakeholders to explore innovations and solutions shaping the healthcare ecosystem. Medical Fair India 2026 hosted insightful discussions on emerging topics, including future-ready hospitals, digital and sustainable healthcare systems, international partnerships in healthcare innovation, research and clinical excellence, and the integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Conversations also emphasised the need for pragmatic policies that support investment in manufacturing, particularly in terms of capital expenditure and operational expenditure, while addressing the needs of both smaller enterprises and larger manufacturers.

Speaking at the press conference, Dr Rajiv Chhibber, Joint Forum Coordinator, Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD) and Member, Advisory Committee, Medical Fair India 2026, highlighted the sector’s growth and the policy support driving its development. He said, “The medical device sector has grown into a significant industry. In 2020–21, it was a $5 billion sector, and today it has grown to $18 billion. For a long time, medical devices were considered an import-dependent sector, but with the policies of the central and state governments, the industry is moving towards self-sufficiency. Manufacturing has increased by more than 100% in India, supported by initiatives such as the PLI and PRIP schemes. Today, our medical exports reach around 187 countries. The medical device sector, which was once seen as a smaller subsector of the pharmaceutical industry, has become an integral part of the healthcare sector.”