DoP Invites Proposals for Two Sub-Schemes to Strengthen Medical Device Industry

The proposals are being sought under the Marginal Investment Scheme for Reducing Import Dependence and the Medical Device Clinical Studies Support Scheme, both part of the central government’s broader Scheme for Strengthening of Medical Device Industry.

The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) has invited applications from eligible entities under two sub-schemes aimed at strengthening India’s domestic medical device industry.

The proposals are being sought under the Marginal Investment Scheme for Reducing Import Dependence and the Medical Device Clinical Studies Support Scheme, both part of the central government’s broader Scheme for Strengthening of Medical Device Industry.

According to the DoP, applications must be submitted by 6 pm on January 10, 2026. Proposals are to be routed through the Life Sciences Sector Skill Development Council (LSSSDC), which is serving as the authorised Project Management Agency for the scheme.

The Marginal Investment Scheme for Reducing Import Dependence focuses on promoting domestic manufacturing of key components, raw materials, and accessories used in medical devices, including in-vitro diagnostic devices. The objective is to lower the sector’s reliance on imported inputs and strengthen India’s medical device value chains by increasing local manufacturing depth.

The Medical Device Clinical Studies Support Scheme is intended to support the generation of clinical evidence for medical devices manufactured in India. This includes funding for clinical studies aimed at demonstrating safety and efficacy. The scheme is designed to facilitate the availability of clinical data required for regulatory compliance and market access, including in overseas markets.

Both sub-schemes operate under the umbrella Scheme for Strengthening of Medical Device Industry, which was introduced by the Central Government on November 8, 2024. The scheme has a total outlay of ₹500 crore and a tenure of three financial years, running from FY 2024–25 to FY 2026–27.

In addition to the two sub-schemes currently open for proposals, the programme includes three other components. These are the Common Facilities for Medical Device Clusters scheme, which supports the development of shared infrastructure and testing facilities; the Capacity Building and Skill Development in the Medical Device Sector scheme, which addresses gaps in education, training, and research; and the Medical Device Promotion Scheme, which focuses on industry outreach, studies, awareness programmes, and database creation.

Together, the five sub-schemes are intended to address multiple structural gaps across manufacturing, infrastructure, clinical validation, skill development, and sector-level coordination within India’s medical device ecosystem.

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