Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, May 25: In a move to bolster domestic drug production, the Department of Pharmaceuticals has called for applications from manufacturers under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to establish new units for 11 crucial pharmaceutical products, including widely used antibiotics and painkillers.

The products listed for this round include Neomycin, Gentamycin, Erythromycin, Streptomycin, Tetracycline, Ciprofloxacin, and Diclofenac Sodium, which were either unsubscribed or only partially subscribed in earlier phases. Manufacturers can submit their applications until June 14.

The PLI scheme, introduced in 2020 and later refined, offers incentives based on production capacity, a defined product-wise ceiling, and adherence to set timelines. For chemical synthesis products, the incentive period runs until FY 2027-28, while fermentation-based products are covered up to 2028-29.

However, firms that had earlier received approvals and later withdrew or had them cancelled are barred from reapplying.

Pharmexcil, the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India, has urged eligible companies to take advantage of the opportunity. “This is a key moment for enhancing India's production capabilities in essential drug ingredients,” said Raja Bhanu, Director General of Pharmexcil.

The PLI initiative aims to reduce India’s dependence on imports by promoting the production of Key Starting Materials (KSMs), Drug Intermediates (DIs), and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).

Overall, the scheme for pharmaceuticals is part of a wider government push involving 14 key sectors such as electronics, automobiles, food processing, and medical devices. By November 2024, 764 applications had been approved, attracting investments worth Rs 1.61 lac cr, with Rs 14,020 cr already disbursed in incentives.