In a landmark advancement for India’s medical technology sector, the clinical team at Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS), New Delhi, successfully performed a customized Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) implant procedure for four patients.
MAIDS, recognized as a Centre for Advanced Research (CAR) under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and coordinated by the Medical Device and Diagnostics Mission Secretariat (MDMS) under the Division of Development Research, achieved this milestone as part of India’s ongoing drive to promote indigenous innovation in healthcare technology.
The TMJ implant was indigenously developed at the ICMR-DHR-MedTech Product Development Acceleration Gateway of India (mPRAGATI)—a state-of-the-art facility coordinated by MDMS at IIT Delhi. This innovation marks a significant step toward reducing dependence on imported implants while enhancing access to affordable, high-quality medical devices for Indian patients.
This achievement aligns with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, forming a key pillar of the Viksit Bharat initiative. It underscores the strength of India’s research collaborations, the synergy between academic institutions and clinical centers, and the emergence of a robust indigenous medical device ecosystem.
Highlighting the significance, Shri J.P. Nadda, Hon’ble Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, said:
“The successful implantation of customized TMJ implant at MAIDS, supported by ICMR and mPRAGATI-IIT Delhi, reflects the growing strength of India’s MedTech sector. This achievement shows how homegrown innovation, backed by strong research and policy support, can lead to affordable and impactful advances in healthcare.”
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General of ICMR, added:
“This development highlights the power of collaboration between clinical experts, engineers, and researchers to deliver real-world health solutions. ICMR is proud to support innovations that not only reduce costs but also improve patient outcomes, advancing India’s leadership in affordable healthcare technologies.”
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Salient Advantages of the Indigenous TMJ Implant
Technical Advantage:
Custom-designed to enhance jaw movement and stability, the implant includes a dedicated muscle attachment feature for improved function, aesthetics, and faster recovery.
Cost Advantage:
Developed under the Make in India initiative, the implant costs roughly one-fifth of Indian-made alternatives and one-eighth to one-tenth of imported versions, making it highly affordable and accessible.
Timeline Advantage:
Local manufacturing and streamlined production processes have reduced the turnaround time to approximately two weeks, enabling faster treatment and recovery for patients.
This milestone exemplifies the success of ICMR-DHR-supported platforms in translating indigenous research into real-world clinical applications. The integration of clinical expertise with biomedical engineering sets a scalable model for future personalized implants and strengthens India’s position in indigenous medical device innovation.