India Poised to Lead Global Shift in Affordable Diagnostics: Gates Foundation CEO

India is positioned to drive the next global transformation in low-cost diagnostics and health devices, building on its established leadership in vaccine production, Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman said on Wednesday. His remarks came during an interaction with PTI following the release of the 2025 Goalkeepers Report.

Suzman highlighted that India’s robust innovation ecosystem and strengths in high-quality, low-cost manufacturing are now catalysing advancements well beyond vaccines. The country is emerging as a major hub for affordable diagnostic tools, including AI-enabled antenatal testing devices and a new tuberculosis test priced under USD 2, which could become a game-changer for low- and middle-income nations.

“India has potential to follow the model of the vaccine industry and become a true global leader and global supplier,” Suzman said, noting that the country’s contributions had already reshaped global immunisation efforts.

However, he also issued a stark warning: the world is entering the first year of rising child deaths this century, a trend driven by conflict, climate shocks, and widening inequities in healthcare access. The Gates Foundation is urging accelerated innovation and global cooperation to prevent further setbacks.

With its expanding capacity and technological momentum, India is now expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of accessible healthcare solutions worldwide.