Online News: The Hindu : Tamil Nadu : Chennai : Diagnostics industry seeks Special Economic Zones by M. Dinesh Varma

Chennai recommended as a location for two zones "At present, 90 per cent of the medical technology products are imported"

CHENNAI : The multibillion-dollar diagnostics business in India is looking to emerge out of its dependence on imports, with the industry urging the Centre to establish Special Economic Zones (SEZs) that would encourage indigenous manufacturing of products and devices.

The medical technology sector feels that the Union Government should extend through these special zones a package of tax benefits, subsidised power and land to support indigenous enterprise.

"At present, 90 per cent of the medical technology products are imported,' said G. S. K. Velu, Managing Director, Trivitron, and president of the Association of Medical Devices and Diagnostics Suppliers of India (AMDSI).

The AMDSI has, in a recent memorandum, appealed to Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss for a policy overhaul on the medical technology front. The memorandum has pitched for establishment of SEZs that would accelerate self-reliance and open up avenues for export to the developing world.

The Minister is reported to have responded positively to the proposals. Chennai is understood to be among the potential sites for initially establishing, at least, two, if not a cluster of, SEZs, in the country. "We have recommended Chennai as a site and offered to undertake responsibility of promoting the zone to attract investments," Dr. Velu said.

 

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