India’s Pharma & MedTech Ecosystem Strengthened Through Infrastructure, Innovation, and Access Schemes

India’s pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors are undergoing a transformative phase, driven by a series of government-backed schemes that combine infrastructure development, innovation support, affordability initiatives, and regulatory strengthening. Together, these measures are positioning India as a global hub for pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and biopharmaceuticals.

Bulk Drug and Medical Device Parks

The Scheme for Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks is enabling the creation of common infrastructure for bulk drug manufacturing. Three parks have been approved in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Himachal Pradesh, with a combined project cost exceeding ₹6,306 crore. Each park is receiving ₹1,000 crore in central assistance.

The Scheme for Promotion of Medical Devices Parks supports advanced testing and laboratory facilities. Parks in Greater Noida (Uttar Pradesh), Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh), and Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu) are at advanced stages of development, with a total project cost of ₹871 crore.

• 199 medical device manufacturers allotted land
• 306.64 acres distributed across three parks
• 34 units have commenced construction

Research, Innovation, and Affordable Access

The Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma MedTech (PRIP) scheme is fostering innovation-driven growth.

• 7 Centres of Excellence established at NIPERs
• 111 research projects approved
• 46 papers published
• 6 patents filed

The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has expanded access to low-cost medicines.

• 18,646 Jan Aushadhi Kendras operational
• 2,110 medicines and 315 medical devices available
• Over 100 crore sanitary pads sold at ₹1 each
• ₹8,000 crore savings for citizens in FY 2024-25
• ₹5,637 crore savings up to November 2025

Biopharma SHAKTI Initiative

Announced in the Union Budget 2026-27, Biopharma SHAKTI will invest ₹10,000 crore over five years to establish India as a global biopharmaceutical hub.

• Creation of biopharma-focused institutional network
• 3 new and 7 upgraded NIPERs
• 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites planned

Regulatory and Pricing Framework

India’s pharmaceutical governance is anchored by a strong regulatory ecosystem:

• CDSCO oversees drug approvals, clinical trials, and pharmacovigilance
• NPPA regulates drug prices under DPCO 2013
• IPC publishes the Indian Pharmacopoeia, recognized in 19 countries

Conclusion

India’s pharmaceutical ecosystem is evolving into a globally integrated, policy-supported system that balances scale, affordability, and regulatory credibility. Upcoming trade agreements with the European Union, United Kingdom, and New Zealand are expected to further enhance India’s pharmaceutical and medical devices sector.