Have 48 projects been approved to prevent disruptions in the supply of vital active pharmaceutical ingredients?

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Have 48 projects been approved to prevent disruptions in the supply of vital active pharmaceutical ingredients?

Synopsis

In a significant move to ensure the stability of pharmaceutical supplies, the Indian government has approved 48 projects under the PLI scheme, focusing on critical drugs and active ingredients. This initiative not only promises to decrease reliance on imports but also aims to bolster domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Key Takeaways

  • 48 projects approved to enhance domestic manufacturing.
  • Investment commitment of Rs 3,938.5 crore.
  • Reported cumulative sales of Rs 1,556 crore.
  • Avoided imports worth Rs 1,144 crore.
  • Encouraged participation through webinars and social media outreach.

New Delhi, July 22 (NationPress) The government announced on Tuesday that it has given the green light to 48 projects under the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme aimed at bolstering domestic manufacturing of essential Key Starting Materials (KSMs), Drug Intermediates (DIs), and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) in India.

The initiative seeks to mitigate disruptions in the supply of crucial active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) used for producing essential medicines that lack alternatives, as emphasized by Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers, Anupriya Patel, during a written response in the Rajya Sabha.

The products approved under this scheme were primarily sourced from imports before the PLI scheme was initiated.

By December 2024, an investment of Rs 4,254 crore has already been made against a commitment of Rs 3,938.5 crore over the span of six years.

This scheme has led to cumulative sales of Rs 1,556 crore since its inception until December 2024, which includes exports worth Rs 412 crore, thereby preventing imports amounting to Rs 1,144 crore and building domestic manufacturing capacity for 25 identified KSMs/DIs/APIs.

To foster awareness and encourage engagement in the scheme, various measures were implemented at the time of its launch, as the minister noted.

These initiatives include conducting webinars and stakeholder consultations with industry associations and prospective applicants; issuing press releases, comprehensive guidelines, and FAQs; and regular outreach via social media campaigns.

Additionally, dedicated helpdesk support and query resolution mechanisms were made available through the scheme's portal, along with the publication of press releases on government websites.

Point of View

I believe this initiative reflects the government's commitment to enhancing India's pharmaceutical independence. The approval of these projects under the PLI scheme is a strategic move to ensure that we are not overly reliant on imports for critical medications. By fostering domestic production, we not only safeguard our supply chain but also create opportunities for economic growth and innovation within the pharmaceutical sector.
NationPress
23/07/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the projects approved under the PLI scheme?
The projects focus on the domestic manufacturing of critical Key Starting Materials (KSMs), Drug Intermediates (DIs), and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).
What is the total investment committed to the PLI scheme?
The total investment committed to the PLI scheme is Rs 3,938.5 crore, with Rs 4,254 crore already invested.
How has the PLI scheme impacted imports?
The PLI scheme has helped avoid imports worth Rs 1,144 crore by boosting local production of essential pharmaceutical ingredients.
What measures were taken to promote the PLI scheme?
The government conducted webinars, issued press releases, and maintained regular outreach through social media to enhance awareness and encourage participation.
What benefits have been reported from the PLI scheme?
Cumulative sales of Rs 1,556 crore have been reported, including exports of Rs 412 crore, thus creating a robust domestic manufacturing capacity.