New Delhi: The central government has introduced a new initiative aimed at reducing the import of medical devices and promoting their manufacture within India. Companies are invited to submit proposals under two investment sub-schemes as part of this plan, which was announced a year ago.
Currently, India imports about 70 percent of its medical device requirements. To reduce this dependency, the Department of Pharmaceuticals launched a ₹500 crore support package in November 2024 to encourage domestic production and the adoption of new technologies in medical device manufacturing.
According to a recent government notice, eligible companies must submit their proposals by 10 January 2026.
Under the first sub-scheme, ₹180 crore has been allocated to assist around 30 companies. The focus is on increasing domestic production of essential raw materials and components used in medical devices, thereby lowering import reliance.
Many Indian companies currently source raw materials and critical parts from abroad, which raises costs and causes supply challenges. To address this, the government will provide a subsidy covering 10 to 20 percent of project costs, up to a maximum of ₹10 crore. This subsidy will be reimbursed after expenditure.
This sub-scheme applies to medical devices and diagnostic machines that the government permits to be imported only when they are not readily available in India.
The second sub-scheme supports clinical testing of medical devices and is named the Medical Device Clinical Studies Support Scheme. With a total budget of ₹110 crore, it benefits both large companies and startups.
Under this scheme, companies can receive up to ₹2.5 crore for animal studies, ₹5 crore for clinical trials involving patients, and up to ₹1 crore for quality testing of new in-vitro diagnostic kits.
The government believes these initiatives will strengthen India’s medical device industry, reduce imports, and advance the country toward self-reliance.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.