Vizag to be developed as global MedTech hub; AMTZ turnover hits Rs 10,000 Cr

Visakhapatnam: Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu today said Visakhapatnam will be transformed into a global hub for MedTech.

Launching two more companies, the Chief Minister said that he had earlier laid the foundation for the MedTech zone with the sole aim of taking Andhra Pradesh to the number one position in the health sector.

"When I thought of setting up the MedTech zone to manufacture the medical equipment, some people said that it is impossible. But now I am happy to see the excellent positive results that the MedTech zone is achieving," he said.

He regretted that some investors have not come forward to set up their units in 2019 as they faced certain problems after the change of government.

Naidu said the existing companies, however, have to run their operations by overcoming all these difficulties. "I appreciate their efforts," he said.

He said over 140 companies are now functioning in the Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ). Spread over 275 acres of land, AMTZ with an annual turnover of over Rs 10,000 crore provides employment to over 6,000 people.

Naidu pointed out that except for the then Andhra Pradesh government, about 20 states purchased the devices from AMTZ during COVID-19.

Declaring that Visakhapatnam is a city very close to his heart, the Chief Minister announced that the Bhogapuram airport too will soon be made operational and it will be of great help to the local people.

"I am visiting Visakhapatnam for the first time after assuming charge. My government is ready to extend all kinds of help to the MedTech Zone. All sort of cooperation will also be extended by the Centre along with the state government," he maintained.