Robust Growth Foreseen for India’s Diagnostic Imaging Sector

India’s diagnostic imaging market is poised for significant growth over the next eight years, driven by rising healthcare spending, increasing chronic disease burden, and a growing demand for accessible diagnostic solutions. GlobalData expects the sector to swell 7% annually and be worth more than $7 billion in 2033.

India currently accounted for about 20% of the Asia-Pacific (APAC) diagnostic imaging devices market last year, according to GlobalData research. The increased adoption of portable imaging solutions is expected to be a key driver of the market’s expansion, especially in underserved and rural regions where traditional infrastructure is limited.

“Portable imaging devices are transforming healthcare delivery in India. In emergency and trauma situations, these devices enable rapid on-site diagnostics, reducing the need for patient transfers and enhancing care delivery,” GlobalData Medical Devices Practice Head Rohit Anand said. “Moreover, for smaller healthcare centers, they may offer a cost-effective alternative to full-scale imaging setups, improving access without substantial capital investment.”

Recent technological advancements are further propelling the clinical impact of portable imaging. Innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI)-powered image analysis, miniaturization, and wireless connectivity are improving diagnostic accuracy and data sharing. Devices like Butterfly iQ+ handheld ultrasound, Carestream’s Motion Mobile X-ray, and Fujifilm’s lightweight FDR Xair X-ray system exemplify the growing momentum in the market. Additionally, portable MRI and CT systems, enhanced by technologies like photon counting and compact MRI magnets, are delivering higher resolution and lower radiation exposure.

“The integration of portable imaging into point-of-care settings enhances early disease detection and supports real-time diagnostics, leading to timely interventions and improved patient outcomes,” Anand stated. “This is particularly vital for extending healthcare access to remote and resource-constrained communities.”

However, the widespread adoption of portable imaging in India is still in its nascent stage due to high ownership costs, complex import regulations, and limited service infrastructure. Ongoing maintenance requirements and the need for skilled personnel are also adding to the cost burden.

“To unlock the full potential of portable imaging, it is essential to address regulatory bottlenecks, streamline import processes, and support networks. These steps will be critical to ensure affordability and scale adoption across the country,” Anand stated

Looking ahead, portable imaging is expected to complement the traditional imaging methods, offering a hybrid diagnostic approach. While stationary systems will continue to be vital for complex procedures, portable devices will revolutionize point-of-care diagnostics by improving efficiency, reducing wait times, and expanding access.

“The future of diagnostic imaging in India lies in this hybrid model. As income levels rise and awareness of preventive care grows, the demand for portable imaging will accelerate. This evolution promises to reshape healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes across the nation,” Anand concluded.