In a bold move to advance India’s healthcare innovation, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has launched two new initiatives—Patent Mitra and MedTech Mitra. These programs aim to simplify patent filing and promote indigenous medical technologies.
ICMR plans to file 10,000 patents in three years, a tenfold increase from the current average. To achieve this, it has hired 10 top legal firms to guide researchers in patent assessments, filings, and long-term IP support.
Patent Mitra offers services for end-to-end patent handling—from initial evaluation to prosecution and five-year maintenance. MedTech Mitra will assist innovators with clinical validation, regulatory approvals, and connecting with industry for tech transfer.
ICMR will act as a facilitator between researchers and the MedTech industry, ensuring practical use of patented technologies. This approach is expected to reduce India’s reliance on imported devices and foster cost-effective healthcare solutions.
Additionally, ICMR is setting up regional Health Technology Assessment (HTA) units. These will analyze the cost-effectiveness of new health products, helping shape state and national healthcare policies.
ICMR’s Director General, Dr. Rajiv Bahl, emphasized the vision to turn intellectual property into market-ready solutions. The move supports the broader goal of making India a global leader in affordable MedTech innovation.