The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) has called for proposals under two sub-schemes of the ₹500 crore “Scheme for Strengthening the Medical Device Industry”: the Marginal Investment Scheme for Reducing Import Dependence and the Medical Device Clinical Studies Support Scheme. Applications are open until January 10, 2026, targeting reduction in India’s ~70% import reliance and generation of robust clinical evidence for indigenous devices.
Glimpse:
With India importing most medical devices and components, these sub-schemes offer capital subsidies (10-20% up to ₹10 crore) for upstream manufacturing and support for clinical trials to validate safety/efficacy. Eligible entities include manufacturers, national institutes (IITs, AIIMS, NIPERs), and private bodies. This aligns with broader goals to deepen local value chains, enhance export competitiveness, and foster innovation under the 2024-launched overarching scheme.
The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, has issued a fresh invitation for proposals under two pivotal sub-schemes aimed at fortifying India’s medical device sector amid persistent high import dependence. With domestic manufacturing meeting only ~30% of demand raw materials and components largely sourced abroad these initiatives provide targeted financial incentives to build self-reliance and clinical credibility.
The two sub-schemes are:
Marginal Investment Scheme for Reducing Import Dependence
Objective: Incentivize production of critical components, raw materials, and accessories to localize supply chains.
Support: One-time capital subsidy of 10-20% of project cost (capped at ₹10 crore) on reimbursement basis.
Focus: High-priority items on the government’s global tender list (e.g., advanced equipment not widely available domestically).
Allocation: ₹180 crore for ~30 applicants.
Medical Device Clinical Studies Support Scheme
Objective: Fund clinical investigations to generate evidence on safety, efficacy, and performance of India-made devices facilitating regulatory approvals and international registrations.
Support: Financial assistance for study design, execution, and data analysis.
These form part of the broader ₹500 crore “Scheme for Strengthening the Medical Device Industry” launched in November 2024, which includes additional sub-schemes for cluster common facilities, testing infrastructure, and industry promotion.
Eligible Applicants: Medical/in-vitro device manufacturers with Indian facilities, national institutes (IITs, AIIMS, NIPERs), and accredited private entities. Proposals must be submitted online via the Life Sciences Sector Skill Development Council (LSSSDC), the designated Project Management Agency, by January 10, 2026, 6:00 PM.
This call more than a year after the parent scheme’s announcement reflects urgency to operationalize support amid global supply vulnerabilities and rising domestic demand. Successful projects could deepen value addition, lower costs, and position India as a competitive exporter.
“These sub-schemes will provide critical marginal investments to reduce import dependence and generate robust clinical data for Indian medical devices.”
By
HB Team
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