Phase I PLI scheme for bulk drugs gets 215 applications from 83 firms

The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has received a total 215 applications from 83 pharma manufacturers for the production linked incentive (PLI) Scheme for bulk drugs and 28 applications from 23 medical device manufacturers for the PLI scheme in medical devices.

Information related to applications in the fermentation category  has not been revealed yet. In fact, there are only 83 applicants as against the projected 136 manufacturers.

The last date of submission of the applications was November 30, 2020. IFCI is the Project Management Agency (PMA) for implementation of both the schemes.

Mahesh Doshi, National President, IDMA commented, “It is good to see that the PLI Schemes for Bulk Drugs and Medical Devices which closed on 30-11-2020 has received a very positive response from pharma and medical device industry.”

Commenting on the less number of participants, Doshi informed, “Although the number of applicants (pharma companies) is less than estimated, a total of 215 applications made by 83 pharma manufacturers is a good number and it will help in achieving the goal of Indian pharma industry becoming self-reliant.”

Dinesh Dua, Chairman, Pharmexcil expressed, “This path-breaking scheme has resulted in an overwhelming response way beyond the number of requisite applicants after the scheme closed yesterday. This is the first step forward to ‘Atmanirbharta’. In five years’ time, we should be at least 60 per cent self-reliant followed by 100 per cent self-reliant in the next two years.”

As per a PIB release, “The appraisal process of the applications will commence from today (December 1, 2020) onwards and a maximum of 136 applications under the PLI scheme for bulk drugs and a maximum of 28 applications under the PLI scheme for medical devices will be approved. The time duration for giving approval to the applicants is 90 days under the PLI scheme for bulk drugs and 60 days under the PLI scheme for medical devices. However, best efforts will be done by the PMA and the Department of Pharmaceuticals to give early approvals to the participants under the scheme.”

“Looking at the increasing imperative of drug security, support to domestic production capability in bulk drugs would ensure higher resilience of the Indian pharma industry to external shocks. These initiatives have the potential to contribute significantly to achieving the higher objective of affordable healthcare in the country and globally on a sustained basis,” stated the release.