New Delhi, May 8 -- In a significant milestone, India has become a net exporter of medical consumables and disposables like needles and catheters for the first time, Union Pharma Secretary Arunish Chawla announced on Tuesday.

The country exported USD 1.6 billion worth of these products in 2022-23, while imports were only around USD 1.1 billion - reversing the previous trend of import domination. Exports grew 16 per cent compared to last fiscal, while imports declined by 33 per cent.

"The government is seeking to replicate this success across other medical device segments to reduce import dependence," Chawla said at an event organised by his department and the CII industry body, reported TOI.

India's heavy reliance on imports, especiall...