India’s diagnostic imaging market is poised for substantial growth, driven by rising healthcare expenditure, increasing chronic disease burden, and a growing demand for accessible diagnostic solutions. Against this backdrop, the market is expected to exceed $7 billion in 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7 per cent, forecasts GlobalData.
GlobalData’s research reveals that India currently accounts for around 20 per cent of the Asia-Pacific (APAC) diagnostic imaging devices market in 2024. The increased adoption of portable imaging solutions is expected to be a key driver of market expansion, especially in underserved and rural regions where traditional infrastructure is limited.
Rohit Anand, Practice Head – Medical Devices, GlobalData, comments, “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. Moreover, for smaller healthcare centers, they may offer a cost-effective alternative to full-scale imaging setups, improving access without substantial capital investment.”
The recent technological advancements are further propelling the clinical impact of portable imaging. Innovations such as AI-powered image analysis, miniaturisation, 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.
Anand adds, “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. 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 a nascent stage. High ownership costs, complex import regulations, and limited service infrastructure are the key barriers. Ongoing maintenance requirements and the need for skilled personnel further add to the cost burden.
Anand continues, “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.”
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 revolutionise point-of-care diagnostics by improving efficiency, reducing wait times, and expanding access.
Anand concludes, “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.”
