India’s production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes for pharmaceuticals have drawn investments totaling Rs 41,943 crore in both brownfield and greenfield projects, exceeding the targeted investment of Rs 17,275 crore. Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers, Anupriya Patel, revealed this information in a written reply to the Parliament. The schemes have generated sales of Rs 3,35,036 crore from 1,988 products, with exports amounting to Rs 2,15,248 crore.
The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers stated that 726 Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), Key Starting Materials (KSMs), and Drug Intermediates (DIs) are now being manufactured under the incentive scheme, including 191 products produced for the first time in India. These products have contributed to domestic sales worth Rs 28,067 crore, aiding in reducing imports in the sector. The PLI scheme for Pharmaceuticals, initiated in 2021, aims to enhance India’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities by boosting investments and production.
The scheme focuses on incentivizing the production of high-value medicines, complex generics, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Additionally, the PLI scheme for Bulk Drugs, approved in 2020, targets critical KSMs, DIs, and APIs to lessen reliance on single sources. Greenfield projects under the PLI scheme for Bulk Drugs have attracted investments of Rs 4,814 crore against a commitment of Rs 4,329.95 crore over six years. The scheme has also led to the commissioning of six new manufacturing units in Andhra Pradesh’s Visakhapatnam.
