Opinion | Refurbished Devices: A Gateway to Healthcare Accessibility in India

India, celebrated for its world-class hospitals and cutting-edge medical advancements, continues to confront significant healthcare disparities. While rural areas account for 70% of India's population and contribute up to 46% of the national income, their healthcare infrastructure remains alarmingly inadequate. According to the Praxis Global report, rural India faces a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:25,000, far from the World Health Organization's recommended 1:1,000. Consequently, 63% of rural patients must travel out of their state for major treatments, as highlighted by a study from Transform Rural India and Sambodhi Research. Most facilities within commutable distances in these regions are limited to basic diagnostics like blood tests and imaging.

Bridging the Gap

A transformative solution to these disparities lies in the adoption of refurbished medical devices. These cost-effective alternatives make advanced healthcare equipment accessible to underserved regions. India's medical device market, currently valued at over USD 11 billion, ranks fourth in Asia and among the top 20 globally. However, affordability remains a critical challenge, as advanced equipment like MRI machines and CT scanners can cost upwards of INR 1 crore.

Refurbished devices address this gap, offering cost savings of 30-70% compared to their new counterparts. This enables rural healthcare providers to invest in critical medical equipment while allocating resources for infrastructure development and workforce training. With the refurbished medical equipment market expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5% from 2023 to 2030, India stands to benefit significantly from importing high-quality refurbished devices to complement its domestic healthcare strategies.

Expanding Access to Health Tech

The uneven distribution of healthcare infrastructure in India is stark, with rural areas hosting only 40% of the country's healthcare facilities despite housing the majority of the population. By integrating refurbished devices into rural clinics, healthcare providers can overcome financial constraints and offer essential diagnostics such as X-rays, ECGs, and ultrasound imaging. Reports from Data Bridge Market Research emphasise the transformative potential of refurbished devices in making critical healthcare services accessible to regions that would otherwise remain underserved.

Sustainability And Circular Economy

India generates the third-largest volume of e-waste globally (3.2 million MT), with 2-3% attributed to the healthcare sector. Refurbished medical devices align with Prime Minister Modi's LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) Mission, which emphasises the principles of reducing, reusing, and recycling. By restoring functional equipment to its original quality, refurbished devices exemplify sustainable practices, reducing environmental impact while offering cost-effective solutions. This approach also aligns with India's vision for a circular economy, where healthcare advancements contribute to both universal access and environmental stewardship.

Trust, Quality, And Safety

Concerns about the safety and reliability of refurbished devices are addressed through rigorous reconditioning processes that adhere to international standards such as WHO and NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association). Certified professionals and manufacturers ensure these devices meet stringent safety and quality benchmarks, dispelling doubts about their efficacy. By importing refurbished devices from established global markets, India can further guarantee adherence to these high standards, ensuring trust among healthcare providers and patients alike.

Empowering Healthcare Ecosystems

Adopting refurbished medical devices can catalyse local entrepreneurship and create green jobs within the healthcare sector. By fostering a supply chain for affordable medical equipment, India can reduce its dependence on expensive new imports while nurturing domestic industries. This approach complements the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, strengthening India's economic resilience and empowering local businesses to thrive in the healthcare sector.

A Smarter Path For India

The adoption of refurbished medical devices offers immense potential to address India's healthcare challenges. By enabling cost savings, expanding access to critical technologies, reducing environmental impact, and strengthening local ecosystems, these devices can position India as a leader in sustainable healthcare. As the global market for refurbished medical equipment continues to grow, it is imperative for India to seize this opportunity by promoting policies that encourage their import and integration into the healthcare system.

This is not just an economic opportunity but a moral imperative—ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible to every Indian, regardless of their location or income. By 2047, refurbished devices can play a pivotal role in fulfilling India's vision of becoming a Vishva Guru in healthcare, achieving universal healthcare access while championing environmental sustainability.

(Dr. Brajesh Barse is Director, Lifesciences, Food & Agriculture at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's U.S.-India Business Council.)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author