The ministry of chemicals and fertilisers has extended the deadline for submitting applications under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing of critical Key Starting Materials (KSMs), drug intermediates, and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). Eligible applicants can now submit proposals until July 4, 2025.
The department of pharmaceuticals announced the extension on June 16, 2025, referring to its earlier circular dated May 14, 2025. The decision is intended to offer additional preparation time for interested stakeholders and enhance participation in this strategic initiative.
Strengthening India’s Pharmaceutical Backbone
With a substantial allocation of ₹15,000 crore, the PLI scheme for pharmaceuticals currently supports 55 domestic projects focused on scaling up the manufacturing of advanced pharmaceutical ingredients. These initiatives include the production of critical therapeutics, particularly for chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes, underscoring the government’s mission to boost self-reliance in essential medicine manufacturing.
Complementary Schemes for Raw Materials and Devices
To further support the pharmaceutical value chain, the government has rolled out additional incentives:
*A ₹6,940 crore PLI scheme to promote local production of key raw materials such as Penicillin G, aimed at reducing dependence on imports for essential pharmaceutical components.
*A separate ₹3,420 crore initiative dedicated to strengthening domestic medical device manufacturing, with a focus on high-end equipment like MRI machines and cardiac implants.
Building a Comprehensive Healthcare Manufacturing Ecosystem
Together, these schemes represent a holistic strategy to develop India’s pharmaceutical and medical device ecosystem. As reported by knnindia.co.in, by fostering domestic innovation and production, the PLI framework aims to enhance global competitiveness, lower import reliance, and position India as a reliable supplier in the global healthcare market.
