The Centre has recently also called on medical device industry representatives to send in their suggestions, to add or delete products from the Global Tender Enquiry Exemption List of Medical Devices
Two sub-schemes have been outlined by the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) to promote the local manufacturing and development of medical devices.The initiatives are under the overarching Scheme for Strengthening of Medical Device Industry (SMDI)to reduce import dependence, support innovation and increase the depth of value chains in the medical devices sector, a note from the DoP said, inviting applications for participation from the industry. Participants have till July 23rd to send in their proposals.The two sub-schemes are the ‘Marginal Investment Scheme for Reducing Import Dependence’ and the ‘Medical Device Clinical Studies Support Scheme’.Capital SubsidyThose selected would receive a one-time capital subsidy of up to ₹10 crore on reimbursement basis for manufacturing key components/raw materials/finished devices/accessories to reduce import dependence under Marginal Investment Scheme, the note said.While incubators are not allowed to participate in the scheme, the DoP said in FAQs published by it earlier this year that an entity could apply for more than one project, “provided each project is distinct, independently viable, and meets the scheme’s objectives of reducing import dependence.” However, it added, “each project will be evaluated and approved separately and the financial assistance limit (maximum ₹10 crore) applies per project.”Product ListA financial support of up to ₹5 crore would be extended to the selected applicants under the MDCSS scheme for undertaking clinical investigation/clinical performance evaluation/post market follow-up study/animal studies etc, also on a reimbursement basis, the note added.The Centre has recently also called on medical device industry representatives to send in their suggestions, to add or delete products from the Global Tender Enquiry (GTE) Exemption List of Medical Devices - a process that has a deadline of July 15. The curated list has 354 medical devices and guides local procurement.It represents products or equipment that are predominantly imported into India; critical to the healthcare or diagnostics ecosystem, and technologically complex or high-value products for which domestic manufacturing capability is limited or developing, the department said.Published on June 29, 2026
