India Strengthens Self-Reliance: PLI Scheme Kickstarts Domestic Production of MRI, CT Scanners & Dialysis Machines

India has taken a significant step toward self-reliance by beginning domestic production of medical devices such as MRI machines, CT scanners, and dialysis machines, which were previously fully imported. According to a report in the Economic Times, this development was confirmed by Amit Aggarwal, Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals.

The market size of the medical devices sector in India is estimated to be $11 billion (approximately, Rs 90,000 Cr) in 2020 and its share in the global medical device market is estimated to be 1.5per cent | The Economic Times

Aggarwal stated that the manufacturing is being carried out under the central government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, which aligns with the Make in India initiative. “We have commissioned a total of 19 projects for producing 46 medical devices,” he said. Additionally, he highlighted that the government has increased spending on manufacturing incentives, infrastructure, and ecosystem development by 44%.

He further mentioned that the government is also focusing on strengthening domestic production of essential drugs under the PLI scheme. To achieve this, it has initiated the manufacturing of over 175 high-value drugs, including those used for cancer treatment, rare diseases, autoimmune disorders, and vaccines. “Production of critical antibiotics like Penicillin-G and Clavulanic Acid has started in the country. Also, we are expecting the production of Rifampicin, a key drug used for Tuberculosis treatment, to commence next year,” said Aggarwal.

In 2020, India’s medical devices sector was valued at approximately Rs 90,000 crore, accounting for 1.5% of the global market. To enhance domestic production and reduce reliance on imports, the Union Cabinet introduced the National Medical Devices Policy in 2023. This policy aims to establish centres of excellence in academic and research institutions, foster innovation hubs, develop ‘plug-and-play’ infrastructure, and support related facilities. Additionally, it envisions the creation of a dedicated export promotion council to facilitate knowledge exchange and implement best global manufacturing practices.

What is the PLI scheme?

The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme is a central government initiative designed to promote domestic manufacturing of selected products through financial incentives. Its goal is to position India as a global leader in manufacturing, innovation, and exports. Covering 14 sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, automobiles, steel, food, drones, and textiles, the scheme is managed and implemented by designated nodal agencies for each sector. Additionally, it aims to minimize pollution and reduce the carbon footprint.

(This Article was originally published by OpIndia)