'Can Activate Malware, Bugs': Govt To Probe Security Risks From Chinese Medical Devices

Last Updated:July 17, 2025, 10:49 IST

China is the second-largest exporter of medical devices to India at around Rs 11,506 crore in 2023-24, less than US, which exported devices worth Rs 12,552 crore the same year

Some of the top medical equipment imported from China includes patient monitoring systems, diagnostic imaging machines (like ultrasound and CT scanners), and in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) kits. (Pixabay)

Amid rising national security concerns, the government is investigating Chinese IoT-enabled medical devices in remote areas, fearing they could leak sensitive health data and compromise defence interests, News18 has learnt.

A concern was raised during a meeting chaired by Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal, flagging potential national security and data privacy risks. The ministry has ordered an examination into the growing use of Chinese IoT-enabled medical devices in remote Indian health facilities.

An official document reviewed by News18 outlines concerns over the potential misuse of data by Chinese firms, particularly through medical imaging and monitoring devices. These devices, which are now being widely used in rural healthcare settings, have been identified as potential conduits for surveillance and unauthorised data access.

“Deployment of Chinese medical devices in remote areas raises patient data security concerns… Concern expressed was that the population health data can be misused by Chinese firms (using Chinese-owned medical devices, especially IoT-enabled imaging and monitoring equipment, which are increasingly being installed in remote Indian health facilities)," according to the minutes of the meeting held on July 2.

It added: “Issues of data security and defence concerns with reference to possible bugs in military equipment were raised. It was stated that some countries have even banned imports of equipment from these countries and companies."

According to an official who was part of the meeting, “the concern was discussed with the minister, as it is very easy to insert malware or bugs into the medical devices while exporting. Any hostile nation can play this trick and activate malware or bugs in those devices whenever they want".

“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," he said, requesting anonymity.

The commerce ministry has proposed that relevant data be shared with ministries, including the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) for further scrutiny.

Presence of Chinese Medical Devices in India

According to industry data, India continues to rely heavily on Chinese imports for a wide range of medical devices, particularly in critical and high-volume categories. China is the second-largest exporter of medical devices to India, which stood around Rs 11,506 crore in 2023-24, slightly less than the US, which exported devices worth Rs 12,552 crore in the same year.

Some of the top medical equipment imported from China includes patient monitoring systems, diagnostic imaging machines (like ultrasound and CT scanners), in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) kits, oxygen concentrators, surgical instruments, thermometers, orthopaedic implants, and disposable items like syringes and needles. Leading Chinese companies dominating this space include Mindray, United Imaging, Yuwell and Sinocare. These firms, often offering competitively priced technology, have gained strong market presence in India, especially in Tier-II and rural health settings.

The document also highlights transfer pricing violations by Chinese firms, pushing for stronger enforcement through anti-dumping measures and quality control orders (QCOs). The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has been tasked with examining this issue, in consultation with agencies like BIS and CBIC.

Himani Chandna

Himani Chandna, Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India's COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particularly pass...Read More

Himani Chandna, Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India's COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particularly pass...

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