India’s WHIF Joins BRICS+ Manufacturing Working Group : WHIF’s inclusion in BRICS+ Manufacturing Group elevates India’s role in co-creating affordable healthtech, leveraging AMTZ’s Visakhapatnam hub.
India’s WHIF Joins BRICS+ Manufacturing Working Group : Strategic Significance
✅ First Indian healthtech initiative in BRICS+ Manufacturing WG
✅ Elevates Visakhapatnam as Global South’s medtech innovation hub
✅ Aligns with India’s 2026 BRICS Presidency agenda
✅ Enables cross-border R&D in affordable healthcare solutions
WHIF’s Inclusion in BRICS+: Redefining Global Healthtech Collaboration
Key Implications for India
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| Geopolitical Standing | Positions India as co-architect (not just consumer) of healthtech |
| Manufacturing Policy | Influence over BRICS+ medtech standards & supply chains |
| Innovation Access | Shared R&D corridors with Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa |
WHIF’s Proven Model
✔ iPassport Program: Tech transfer platform for LMICs
✔ EntrepreNari: Empowers women healthtech entrepreneurs
✔ WHO Collaboration: Through Kalam Institute partnership
Leadership Perspectives
Dr. Jitendra Sharma (MD, AMTZ):
“This validates India’s capacity to bridge Global South needs with world-class innovation. Our AMTZ ecosystem will now accelerate South-South healthtech co-development.”
Mohini Mehta (COO, WHIF):
“Membership comes with responsibility—we’ll drive localization of medical innovation across BRICS+ nations through shared infrastructure.”
Three-Pillar Action Plan
1. Joint R&D Corridors
- Pooled funding for affordable diagnostic devices
- Shared IP frameworks for tropical disease solutions
2. Manufacturing Localization
- AMTZ facilities to serve as BRICS+ validation hub
- Training programs for African/Latin American medtech startups
3. Policy Harmonization
- Align regulatory standards for faster device approvals
- Create BRICS+ procurement consortium for essential equipment
Market Opportunities
- $7.8B medtech export potential to BRICS+ by 2030
- 40% cost advantage in diagnostic device manufacturing
- 500+ startups to gain cross-border mentorship
Conclusion & Next Steps
This development:
✔ Strengthens India’s soft power in global health governance
✔ Creates export pathways for Indian medtech SMEs
✔ Accelerates innovation for neglected tropical diseases
2026 Roadmap:
- Launch BRICS+ medtech challenge fund
- Establish joint certification lab at AMTZ
- Host inaugural BRICS Health Innovation Summit
Sources: AMTZ Press Release, BRICS Policy Papers, WHO Reports
Official announcement made July 10, 2024