Chinese medical devices: National security threat to India's healthcare?

In a meeting chaired by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, a senior concern regarding national security and data privacy was raised. 

This time, it is not border security or maritime, but from the growing use of Chinese IoT-enabled medical devices in the rural regions. 

As per a News18 report, experts fear a potential leak of health data through the increased use of Chinese medical devices in the remote areas, which could compromise the defence interests. Taking cognisance of the concern, the government has ordered a probe to understand the seriousness of the situation. 

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An official document reviewed by the media outlet mentioned the potential misuse of data by Chinese firms, particularly through medical imaging and monitoring devices. These devices have also been identified as potential channels for surveillance and unauthorised data access.

The concerns stem from the fact that many of the latest medical devices make use of the Internet of Things technology, and there is a potential threat of malware or hidden bugs. This, in turn, can create opportunities for cyberattacks, data theft, or other security concerns. 

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“We must understand that such incidents can put thousands of patients using those devices under severe distress. Hence, we need to scrutinise the devices which are coming from hostile nations. The ministry has decided to take this matter seriously and will go deep into it," said an official to News18. 

Patient monitoring systems, ultrasound and CT scanners, in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) kits, oxygen concentrators, instruments used in surgeries and disposable items are some of the items imported from China. 

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