09-Jan-15 While drug makers say local regulators are ill-equipped and inadequately staffed to monitor them, the watchdogs in turn hold state governments responsible for failing to strengthen the supervisory mechanism. "The governments were in a mad rush to attract investments by creating tax havens but did not pay enough attention to… quality standards," a state drug controller said, admitting inadequacies in the system. [image: The Economic Times / BCCL]

06-Jan-15 India’s cash-starved medical devices sector will be opened up to 100% foreign direct investment. About 70% of the country's medical devices demand is met through imports. With the new rules, the government is trying to reduce the import bill and encourage local manufacturers to tap into the USD400 bn global market. [image: The Economic Times / BCCL]

01-Jan-15 India’s government aims to move toward a new healthcare regime in which primary care will be offered free to all through public facilities. Some secondary and tertiary care services will also be bought by the government, according to the Health Ministry's proposal. [image: Financial Times]

21-Dec-14 Siemens is looking at expansion of its healthcare equipment manufacturing base in India, to cater to the global market as well as to "introduce more India-relevant products". Siemens believes India is receptive to innovation and very quick to adopt new products. [image: The Economic Times]

14-Dec-14 Mobile health and wellness clinic mobD is tying up with She Taxi in the Indian state of Kerala, the country’s first technology-enabled, women-only taxi. The She Taxis will be equipped with basic health facilities to provide immediate help in the event of an illness, including first-aid kits and digital glucometers. [image: The Hindu Business Line]