The newly launched Kerala Medical Device Industry Association (KMDIA) has outlined an ambitious plan to expand the state’s medical device manufacturing sector, bringing established companies, startups, MSMEs, researchers, clinicians and investors onto a common platform.

The association’s Strategic Roadmap 2026-2031, released in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday, sets a target of taking Kerala’s medical device manufacturing output from the current estimated Rs 6,500-7,500 crore to more than Rs 25,000 crore by 2031.

A key goal is to increase Kerala’s contribution to India’s overall medical device production.

The roadmap seeks to raise the state’s share from an estimated 15-18 per cent currently to more than 25 per cent over the next five years.

What is KMDIA planning?

One of the major priorities is to expand manufacturing into high-value segments, including active medical electronics, in-vitro diagnostics and orthopaedic implants.

The association also plans to strengthen links between medical device manufacturers and major academic and research institutions.

According to the roadmap, these partnerships could help accelerate technology transfer and commercialise more than 20 clinical patents.

KMDIA also plans to push for the establishment of a specialised NIPER MedTech Centre of Excellence in Kerala. Such a facility would be aimed at strengthening research, innovation and technology capabilities in the medical technology sector.

Another focus area is helping MSMEs come together as consortia so they can access central production-linked incentive schemes.

The association also wants to improve procurement opportunities for products manufactured within Kerala.

The roadmap further proposes an NRK Global MedTech Advisory Council.

The proposed platform would seek to connect Kerala-based medical technology companies with overseas investors, technical expertise and international markets.

Building an industry ecosystem

KMDIA president Thomas John said the association aims to create an integrated ecosystem where large manufacturers, MSMEs and startups can develop alongside one another.

The association plans to function as a link between industry, government, academia, doctors and investors.

Shared infrastructure, regulatory guidance, technology transfer, financing and access to international markets have been identified as key areas of intervention.

The launch programme also included 'Kerala MedTech Horizon' knowledge sessions, which focused on the infrastructure, financing, commercialisation and regulatory requirements involved in developing the sector.

Government support for medical device parks

Chief Minister VD Satheesan, who inaugurated KMDIA, said the state government would support the creation of medical device parks and new ventures in the sector.

He pointed to developments in artificial intelligence and nanotechnology as examples of how advances in healthcare are creating new opportunities for medical device manufacturers.

Satheesan said Kerala already has companies capable of manufacturing products to international standards and argued that the next challenge is to expand into new product categories and reach global markets.

The chief minister also said the government was working towards a "single door, single document, single approval" mechanism for new industrial projects. Amendments are being made to 19 laws as part of the effort to reduce delays and provide approvals within a defined timeframe.

An Investment Promotion Council headed by the Chief Minister, with the Industries Minister as vice-chairman, is also expected to monitor investment projects and address bottlenecks.

Industries Minister PK Kunhalikutty, who released the KMDIA Strategic Roadmap 2026-2031, said greater coordination between the government and the industry could help translate Kerala’s scientific and entrepreneurial strengths into manufacturing and investment.

With the roadmap, KMDIA is positioning the medical device sector as a major growth area for Kerala’s knowledge-driven economy, while setting out a series of measures aimed at increasing production, encouraging innovation and taking locally developed products to international markets.