The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science & Technology, has signed an agreement with Panacea Medical Technologies Pvt. Ltd. to support the development and commercialisation of an indigenous 32-slice Computed Tomography (CT) scanner. The move aligns with the Government of India’s Make in India initiative to reduce dependence on imported medical equipment and strengthen domestic manufacturing of high-end diagnostic devices.
Panacea Medical Technologies, based in Malur, Karnataka, is an Indian manufacturer with existing expertise in radiotherapy and radiology equipment. The company will now develop a diagnostic CT scanner that can capture detailed cross-sectional images of internal body structures using rotating X-ray systems and digital detectors.
Key facts
- Agreement signed between TDB-DST and Panacea Medical Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Malur, Karnataka
- Project involves design, development and deployment of a 32-slice CT scanner
- Company specialises in radiotherapy, radiology and medical imaging technologies
- Initiative supports Make in India priority for medical devices sector
- Aimed at reducing import dependence and improving healthcare access across India
What is a CT scanner and why is it important
A CT scanner, or Computed Tomography scanner, uses rotating X-ray systems and sophisticated digital detectors to capture cross-sectional images of the body. These images are then processed through computer algorithms to create detailed three-dimensional pictures of internal organs, tissues and structures. The precision required in engineering, component integration and calibration is extremely high to ensure accurate imaging and patient safety.
CT scanners are essential diagnostic tools used across various medical specialities to detect tumours, infections, injuries and other abnormalities. India’s healthcare sector is experiencing rising demand for such advanced imaging equipment, driven by expansion of healthcare infrastructure, growing cases of chronic diseases and the need for rapid, accurate diagnosis.
Why indigenous development matters
Currently, India relies heavily on imported CT scanners from foreign manufacturers, making advanced diagnostic imaging expensive and less accessible to patients across the country. By developing indigenous technology, India can reduce this dependence and make such equipment more affordable for hospitals and diagnostic centres.
The Government of India has prioritised medical devices as a key sector under Make in India. Through TDB’s support, Indian companies can develop cutting-edge technologies that address local healthcare needs while building manufacturing capabilities that may eventually serve global markets. Indigenous development also creates employment opportunities and strengthens India’s position in the global medical device industry.
TDB’s role and approach
The Technology Development Board works to enable Indian enterprises to develop advanced technologies and transition them from laboratory stage to commercial production. TDB’s support for this project includes backing the company through the design, development and deployment phases of the CT scanner.
According to Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary of TDB, the initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to encouraging medical technology companies to create innovative indigenous solutions that can serve India’s healthcare needs while competing in global markets.
What this means for you
If this project succeeds, patients across India may have access to CT imaging at lower costs, as indigenous manufacturing typically reduces prices compared to imported equipment. Hospitals and diagnostic centres will have options beyond foreign suppliers, potentially improving service availability in smaller cities and towns.
For the medical device industry, this partnership signals government commitment to supporting domestic manufacturers through development and commercialisation stages, encouraging other companies to invest in advanced healthcare technology.
The project also creates opportunities for employment in manufacturing, engineering and service sectors related to medical devices, contributing to India’s broader industrial and healthcare goals.