Diffusion of diagnostic medical devices and policy implications for India.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study describes the diffusion of advanced diagnostic devices in India and assess implications for efficiency in resource use and equity. METHODS: Commodity-level import statistics, household survey data, and interviews with medical device sellers are used to assess the spread of diagnostic devices. Published qualitative evidence, case studies of diagnostic service providers, and cross-country analyses are used to identify the reasons underlying the spread of medical devices in India. Case studies of public and private providers and data from 150 hospitals in one Indian state are used to assess efficiency in resource use and the distributive impacts of diagnostic devices. RES..