₹14 cr for capacity building and skill development in medical device sector
Shillong, Dec 31: In a major boost to healthcare innovation in the North East, the Centre has sanctioned ₹14 crore to Biomedical Engineering department of the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) in Shillong for capacity building and skill development in medical equipment.
The sanction of funds is part of the broader “Strengthening of Medical Device Industry” initiative, aimed at boosting India’s local medical device manufacturing capabilities, reducing reliance on imports, and fostering global competitiveness.
The NEHU has listed a series of actions under the “Capacity Building and Skill Development in Medical Device Sector” sub-scheme of the Department of Pharmaceuticals.
NEHU will introduce a Master of Technology (M.Tech) programme in Medical Devices and a Diploma in Medical Device Manufacturing and Quality to address the growing demand for skilled professionals.
The initiative will foster partnerships between industries, healthcare institutions, and students, providing hands-on experience and boosting graduates’ employability.
The programme will also address unique healthcare challenges of Meghalaya and the surrounding regions, contributing to region-specific solutions and attracting talent and investment.
Besides, a recommendation for grant of ₹2.55 crore for NEHU was made by the Ministry of Science and Technology to support creation of a state-of-the-art laboratory for advanced research in biomedical technologies in the university.
The recommendation has been made with an objective to enable NEHU to push the boundaries of innovation.
The new laboratory will house Confocal Microscope with Raman and Photoluminescence Spectroscopy and Multielectrode Array System that will enable cutting-edge research, fostering world-class innovations in biomedical and health technologies.
The research and innovations to be made at the laboratory will have potential to impact global healthcare systems, according to statement from NEHU.
“The combined funding will significantly enhance NEHU’s infrastructure, enabling the creation of modern classrooms, laboratories, and research facilities that meet international standards. This initiative is expected to bridge the skill gap in the medical device sector and create numerous employment opportunities,” it said.
Asserting that these developments reinforced NEHU’s position as a premier educational institution in the North-East, it said, “By addressing both regional and national healthcare challenges, NEHU is poised to become a hub for excellence in biomedical engineering and medical technologies.”
