Respiratory therapy in India is a medical specialty focused on the treatment, management, control, diagnostic evaluation and care of patients with deficiencies of the cardiopulmonary system. Because of the country’s high propensity for respiratory diseases, India should be viewed as potential target for global medical device makers
Major respiratory care device subcategories include:
- Respiratory care diagnostic devices such as spirometers, peak flow meters, and polysomnography devices for sleep studies
- Respiratory care monitoring devices such as pulse oximeter, capnographs and gas analyzers
- Respiratory care therapeutic devices such as humidifiers, nebulizers, oxygen concentrators, positive airway pressure devices, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation devices, nitric oxide delivery units, reusable resuscitators, ventilators and respiratory inhalers
The Indian respiratory care device market is estimated at approximately $900 million, while the global market exceeds $35 billion, growing rapidly due to the adoption of digital health tools, home-care monitoring, and non-invasive technologies
Respiratory diseases account for a massive share of national mortality in India. The country carries approximately 25% of the world’s total tuberculosis (TB) burden, recording over 2.5 million cases annually. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affects an estimated 50 million individuals in India, making it the second-leading cause of death in the country (causing 1.2 million to 1.5 million deaths annually). Pediatric respiratory infections also remain severe, with pneumonia and acute lower respiratory infections representing a major cause of under-five child mortality. Furthermore, childhood asthma affects 6% to 10% of school-age children in urban regions, aggravated by particulate matter pollution.
Historically, respiratory physicians in India were focused on managing tuberculosis and non-tubercular lung diseases remained largely in the domain of internists. Modern day chest specialists like to be called a “pulmonologists” or “respiratory physicians.” Many chest physicians, particularly in cities are also practicing sleep medicine and critical care.
Last updated: August 3rd, 2026
