New Delhi, January 4 (IANS). The Central Government has taken a new initiative to reduce the import of medical equipment and promote their manufacturing in the country. Under this, the government has invited proposals from companies under two investment sub-schemes. These plans were announced a year ago.
At present, India imports about 70 percent of its medical equipment needs from abroad. To reduce this dependence, the Department of Pharmaceuticals had launched an assistance package of Rs 500 crore in November 2024, so that the manufacturing of medical devices and new technology could be promoted in the country.
According to a recent notice issued by the government, companies eligible for this scheme will have to submit their proposals by January 10, 2026.
Under the first sub-plan, the government has allocated Rs 180 crore, in which about 30 companies will be provided assistance. Its objective is to increase the production of essential raw materials and components used in making medical equipment in the country, so that dependence on imports can be reduced.
Currently, many Indian companies import raw materials and essential parts from outside, which increases costs and causes problems in supply. To overcome this problem, the government will give subsidy of 10 to 20 percent of the project cost under this scheme, which will be maximum up to Rs 10 crore. This money will be returned after spending.
This scheme will be applicable to those medical equipment and testing machines which the government allows to be purchased from abroad if needed, as they are not easily available in India.
The second sub-scheme is related to clinical trials of medical devices. This is called the Medical Device Clinical Studies Support Scheme. The total budget for this is Rs 110 crore, which will benefit big companies as well as startups.
Under this, companies will be given assistance of up to Rs 2.5 crore for studies and investigations on animals and up to Rs 5 crore for clinical trials on patients. Apart from this, assistance up to Rs 1 crore will be provided for quality checking of new testing kits (in-vitro diagnostic).
The government believes that these schemes will strengthen the medical device industry in the country, reduce imports and India will move towards becoming self-reliant.
–IANS
DBP/ABM
