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.
| 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 |
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.
The institute's work spans several areas relevant to the medical technology sector:
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.
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.
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.