Groundbreaking MedTech University to Open in Vizag, Offering Cutting-Edge Programs

Visakhapatnam to Become Hub for Medical Technology with New University

India imports 80% of medical devices from abroad which include ultrasonic scanners, polymerase chain reaction technology, medical imaging devices, and cancer diagnostic tools, and the import has marked a 41% growth in recent years. This heavy reliance on imports highlights the need for India to boost its domestic production capabilities to reduce dependency and ensure a steady supply of medical equipment. In this direction, the first "Global MedTech University" in India is planned to be established on the grounds of the Andhra Pradesh Medical Technology Zone (AMTZ) in Visakhapatnam.

Working with industry stakeholders, this innovative institution will be built through a public-private collaboration. The institution is expected to start offering courses consisting of PhD programs, MTech degrees in bioengineering and medical technology devices, and an MBA in medical regulatory approvals and entrepreneurship for the year 2025-26 academic year. The new institution will provide students with hands-on training on campus, with industry experts serving as both professors and possible employers. Nearly 140 enterprises are situated at the MedTech Zone and 250 students are anticipated to enroll in the first round.

Prof. Hanumanthu Purushotham, founding director of the new Global MedTech University, highlighted that India’s reliance on imported medical equipment is partly due to a lack of specialized educational and research opportunities, for this reason, the institution will provide industry-focused training courses to meet the demand of skilled professionals as many employers already eager to hire qualified candidates. The university will work with leading worldwide organizations and experts to expand its horizons and get involved in the medical technology domain. Industry experts will educate and train students personally to equip them with industry-required skills.

Purushotham was relieved from his responsibilities as DPIIT-IPR Chair Professor on September 6 by Andhra University. He was praised by Registrar Prof. Dhananjaya Rao and Vice-Chancellor Prof. G. Sashi Bhushan Rao for his noteworthy efforts in fostering an intellectual property rights (IPR) culture at the university. A one-year IPR program and an IPR credit course that is required of all students were among the several IPR courses that were developed under his direction.

Editor's Note:

Visakhapatnam is poised to become a landmark in India’s educational landscape with the establishment of the country’s first Global MedTech University by the Andhra Pradesh Medical Technology Zone (AMTZ). This institution will address the need for specialised education in medical technology and regulatory affairs. Industry leaders will guide and train students with the skills required to meet the booming demand of the medical technology sector. 

Skoobuzz hopes that this groundbreaking initiative will enhance educational opportunities and also mark a significant advancement in India’s commitment to self-reliance in the field of medical technology.