Russia has proposed limiting the amount of foreign-made medical goods and equipment allowed into the country in a move to reduce reliance on imports, according to a document published on the government's website Tuesday.
The initiative, proposed by the Industry and Trade Ministry, calls for a ban on imported X-ray machines, ultrasound machines, defibrillators, incubators and other medical equipment.
The list of items subject to restriction also includes condoms, bandages, medical masks, crutches, prosthetic devices and orthopedic footwear.
The Russian government has been pushing for import substitution in key sectors of Russian industry amid its confrontation with the West over the Ukraine crisis.
Foreign imports currently make up 80 percent of Russia's medical equipment, said Alexander Kulish, head of medical equipment development and production at the United Instrument Manufacturing Corporation, news agency RIA Novosti reported in April.
The ban doesn't apply to medical equipment imports from Armenia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, members of the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union.
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