How the medical equipment market is developing in Russia

Domestic production of medical equipment in Russia has almost tripled over the past five years, having risen from RUB 18.5 billion in 2018 to RUB 50.3 billion in 2023. Yet the market continues to rely heavily on imports. Can Indian manufacturers carve out a place for themselves in this growing sector?

Medical equipment market: availability and gaps

Faced with the need for import substitution, Russia is actively developing domestic medical equipment production. According to estimates from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Russian manufacturers now meet nearly a third of the country’s demand for medical technology. Domestic equipment accounts for 28.5% of public procurement. In certain segments, local producers hold a dominant position—for example, they supply around 90% of X-ray machines. However, in other areas, the Russian healthcare system still faces significant shortfalls.

Medical equipment imports, US$ billion

Source: NRU HSE

Certain categories remain heavily dependent on imports, including:

• CT scanners
• MRI machines
• haemodialysis equipment
• microelectronics
• radioisotopes
• hydraulic systems
• specialised plastics
• medical cables
• high-quality mechanical components
• ventilators (artificial lung ventilation devices)
• sterilisation equipment essential for safety and hygiene in medical facilities
• implants and orthopaedic devices used in surgery and traumatology

Source: NRU HSE, ”Report Service”

“Typically, equipment that is not manufactured in Russia or is produced in insufficient quantities is imported,” explains Konstantin Zotov, CEO of MST. “This includes MRI and CT scanners, angiographs, ultrasound and laboratory diagnostic systems, and ophthalmic equipment, as well as surgical and endoscopic equipment used in operating theatres. Russia boasts established production facilities for various other equipment, such as medical furniture, anaesthesia and intensive care equipment, and functional diagnostics systems.”

Medical Equipment Import Structure, 2024

Source: NRU HSE

What India Exports to Russia

“Export volumes are growing: in 2022–2023, India’s exports of medical equipment to Russia increased by approximately 15–20%, particularly in the segment of consumables and basic diagnostic devices. In 2024, India has continued to gradually expand its exports of medical equipment to Russia, although its share of the Russian market remains relatively small—according to expert estimates, it does not exceed 2-3% of Russia’s total medical equipment imports,” notes Olga Kharina, Associate Professor and Research Fellow in the School of Asian Studies at Moscow’s Higher School of Economics (HSE).

Among the main categories of medical equipment exported from India to Russia are:

• surgical instruments
• basic diagnostic equipment, including portable ultrasound machines and ophthalmic devices
• consumables such as disposable instruments, catheters, tubes, syringes, and gloves
• dental equipment and materials
• laboratory devices for sample collection

Furthermore, says Kharina, Indian companies are increasingly participating in federal and regional tenders, particularly in Russian regions, which helps expand India’s presence in the Russian market. Indian manufacturers also use logistics routes  through Middle Eastern countries (UAE, Turkey) and Central Asia, enabling faster deliveries and reducing costs.

According to the expert, promising areas for expanding India’s export of medical equipment to Russia include:

• portable diagnostic equipment (ultrasound machines, glucometers, spirometers, ECG devices)
• telemedicine and basic clinical diagnostic equipment (telemedicine complexes and devices for at-home health monitoring, relevant for remote regions)
• surgical and ophthalmic equipment, including microsurgical instruments and lighting systems
• dental equipment and consumables
• rehabilitation equipment and wheelchairs, including affordable yet reliable social care solutions
• laboratory and clinical diagnostic equipment: automated analysers, systems for testing blood, urine, and infectious diseases
• ventilators and oxygen concentrators

“Despite existing logistical, financial, and regulatory challenges, India has the potential to become a strategic partner for Russia with regard to medical equipment supply in the medium term,” adds Zotov. “To achieve this, both countries will need to develop transparent cooperation mechanisms, strengthen logistics and financial infrastructure, and deepen institutional engagement between businesses and public authorities.”