India plans close cooperation with South Korea, Germany and China on trade in medical devices

The measure was taken by Prime Minister Modi in view of the sharp rise in the number of coronavirus infections in India in recent days. India is eagerly looking to South Korea, Germany and China to source advanced medical equipment from them and to adopt their crisis management. These countries have successfully reduced the number of new infections through various measures. The Indian foreign missions in the three countries have been commissioned to establish appropriate cooperation with the authorities and for the procurement of the equipment. The search for best practices, innovations, scientific knowledge and medical equipment to contain the pandemic was explicitly called for during a video conference between Prime Minister Modi and all 130 foreign missions.

India is particularly interested in South Korea’s method of mass testing and tracking of infections to prevent the spread of the disease. The South Korean model for detecting, testing and treating sick people has gained worldwide recognition. Unlike many other countries, South Korea has not introduced restrictions on public life or businesses.
China is also mentioned as a partner in combating the crisis, after the country successfully reduced the number of infected patients from over 80,000. India plans to purchase medical equipment from China. The Indian embassy in Beijing has already started negotiations with the local authorities and manufacturers. A spokesperson said they expect the delivery of 10,000 ventilators.
They are also looking into the approach of Germany to commission automobile manufacturers and suppliers to produce ventilators and other medical equipment. The Indian representation in Washington is coordinating with the Trump government on cooperation in laboratory testing to detect new infections. In this context, the Indian Secretary of State Jaishankar and the American Secretary of State Pompeo discussed cooperation between the two countries to successfully combat the pandemic. According to reports, India is working with other nations to find a vaccine against the novel corona virus. In India, the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is responsible for the so-called CDSCO certification and CDSCO approval of all drugs and medical devices on the domestic market. Every year new products are added or existing standards change. Whether a product is subject to CDSCO approval is primarily determined by the ad-hoc announcements of the CDSCO.
Please also be aware that after CDSCO certification, the CDSCO is entitled to conduct Post-Market Surveillance. That means that the authority may at any time request recent test reports or samples to be tested in India.