Overview
The Kalam Institute of Health Technology (KIHT) is an Indian autonomous institution dedicated to research, development, and innovation in medical devices and health technologies. Established under the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, the institute is named in honour of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India and aerospace scientist. KIHT is located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, and forms part of the Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) ecosystem.
Key facts
| Name | Kalam Institute of Health Technology |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | KIHT |
| Type | Autonomous research institution |
| Parent body | Department of Biotechnology, Government of India |
| Location | Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Named after | Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam |
| Domain | Medical devices, health technology, biomedical research |
Background
KIHT was conceived to address gaps in indigenous medical device research and to support the manufacturing ecosystem in India, which has historically depended on imports for a significant share of medical equipment. The institute was set up in close coordination with the Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone, India's first medical device manufacturing park, with which it shares operational linkages and infrastructure.
Functions and activities
The institute's work spans several areas relevant to the medical technology sector:
- Research and development for medical devices and diagnostic equipment.
- Health technology assessment (HTA) studies that examine the clinical, economic, and social implications of medical technologies.
- Standards and regulatory research to support indigenous manufacturing and certification.
- Market intelligence and policy research for the medical devices industry.
- Training and capacity-building programmes for biomedical professionals and entrepreneurs.
Health Technology Assessment
KIHT serves as a regional resource centre for Health Technology Assessment in India, contributing to the national HTA framework coordinated through the Department of Health Research. HTA studies undertaken by the institute are intended to inform evidence-based decision making in public health procurement and policy.
Linkages
The institute collaborates with the Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone for product development and incubation support, and works with academic institutions, hospitals, and industry partners on biomedical innovation. Its activities align with national initiatives such as Make in India and the broader push for self-reliance in healthcare manufacturing.
Significance
By focusing on indigenous research in medical technology, KIHT contributes to reducing import dependency in the Indian healthcare sector, supporting domestic manufacturers, and providing evidence to guide procurement and policy decisions. Its co-location with AMTZ in Visakhapatnam has helped establish the city as a hub for medical device innovation in India.
Related topics
- Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone
- Department of Biotechnology
- A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
- Health Technology Assessment in India
- Medical devices in India
- Visakhapatnam
- Make in India
References
- Wikidata entry: Q60776198
- Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.