Centre Invites Bids Under Rs 500 Cr Scheme to Cut Device Imports

• The Centre has launched two sub-schemes to reduce India’s reliance on imported medical devices and support clinical research
• ₹500 crore support package by the Department of Pharmaceuticals aims to boost domestic manufacturing and innovation
• ₹180 crore for 30 applicants to produce key components, raw materials, and finished devices

The government has sought proposals for two small investment sub-schemes designed to cut down on India's imports of medical devices and to develop clinical research in the medtech sector, more than a year after the initial proclamation of the schemes.

At present, India gets almost 70% of its medical devices from other countries, which leads to expensive dependence on overseas suppliers. In order to tackle this problem, the Department of Pharmaceuticals introduced a package of support worth ₹500 crore in November 2024 that would concentrate on Indian medical technology and thus, bring about a change. Proposals from the eligible applicants have to be sent in by January 10, 2026.

The first sub-scheme, in total, provisions ₹180 crore for the assistance of the 30 selected applicants through little investment. The primary aim is to lure manufacturers in the country to produce all three types, namely the key components, raw materials, and accessories, that are consumed in the medical device industry.

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The subsidy, which is one-time only, is offered in the range of 10–20% of the total project cost and is capped at ₹10 crore for the purpose of reimbursement. The projects that are in the production line for components, raw materials, finished devices, and in-vitro products under the Global Tender Enquiry documentation are also the ones that can benefit from the capital subsidy, including the advanced equipment procured through global tenders if not available domestically.

The second sub-scheme is the Medical Device Clinical Studies Support Scheme with a total budget allocation of ₹110 crore and purposely aiming to assist start ups as well as acknowledged companies in the generation of clinical evidence.

The fund represents the limit for various activities like animal studies—up to ₹2.5 crore, clinical investigations and post-market follow-ups—up to ₹5 crore, and clinical performance evaluation of new in-vitro diagnostic products—up to ₹1 crore. These actions reflect the will of the government to not only fortify medical devices sector but also to pave the way for better research ecosystem in Indian Medtech sector.