The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) had recently demanded from the government an amendment in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.  This is basically to push sales and ensure that quality standards are set for new medical textiles used in products like baby diapers, contact lenses and surgical gloves.

The textile ministry has backed the proposal and has written to the health ministry to make the necessary changes in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. The ministry wrote to say that “Including such items in the statute will help in setting up of certain level of standards which will benefit hospitals and manufacturers.

The domestic market for medical textiles was projected at Rs 15.1 billion in 2007-08 and is expected to touch Rs 22.6 billion by 2012-13.