Can a ₹500 crore government scheme make India self-reliant
Government scheme make India self-reliant in manufacturing medical devices?
at strengthening the nation’s self-reliance in medical device manufacturing. This initiative is
part of the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” or “Self-Reliant India” campaign, which seeks to reduce
dependence on imported medical devices, which currently account for nearly 80% of the market.
The scheme aims to foster local innovation, decrease imports, and position India as a global hub
for medical device production by incentivizing domestic manufacturing.
The ₹500 crore investment will be allocated under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme,
alongside other support measures designed to help local companies scale up production, upgrade
technology, and enhance quality. There will be a particular focus on high-tech medical devices,
including MRI machines, CT scanners, and other diagnostic and life-saving equipment that India
primarily imports.
One of the main challenges is bridging the technological gap between imported devices and those
produced locally. To tackle this issue, the scheme includes provisions for research and development
support, promoting collaboration between local manufacturers, research institutions, and startups.
Additionally, it aims to simplify the regulatory process to help indigenous products meet global standards
and facilitate exports.
Experts believe that while ₹500 crore is a significant initial investment, further funding and policy
support will be necessary to achieve a lasting impact. Industry leaders have welcomed the initiative,
emphasizing the importance of infrastructure development and workforce training to meet global
quality benchmarks.
In the long term, the scheme is expected to generate thousands of jobs in the medical device sector
and enhance India’s healthcare infrastructure by making advanced equipment more affordable. The
government hopes that a self-reliant medical device industry will benefit the healthcare sector while
strengthening India’s position in the global market.
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