Medical Device Industry Scheme to Boost India's Manufacturing Sector

: India launches applications under the Medical Device Industry Scheme, offering up to ₹10 crore to boost medical device manufacturing in India and healthcare innovation

The Government of India has invited applications under the Medical Device Industry Scheme, providing a major boost to the country's healthcare manufacturing sector.

Announced by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, the initiative aims to strengthen medical device manufacturing in India, reduce import dependence, and encourage innovation through financial incentives.

The Scheme for Strengthening of Medical Device Industry (SMDI) includes two sub-schemes that support manufacturers and researchers. Eligible applicants can receive financial assistance of up to ₹10 crore, helping them expand production and develop advanced medical technologies.

Financial Support for Domestic Manufacturers

Under the Marginal Investment Scheme for Reducing Import Dependence, selected companies will receive a one-time capital subsidy of up to ₹10 crore on a reimbursement basis. The support covers the manufacturing of key components, raw materials, finished medical devices, and accessories that are currently imported.

The government expects the scheme to strengthen the medical device manufacturing in India ecosystem by encouraging local production, improving supply chains, and enhancing the country's self-reliance in critical healthcare products.

Clinical Research Gets a Boost

The second component, the Medical Device Clinical Studies Support Scheme (MDCSS), offers reimbursement-based financial assistance of up to ₹5 crore. The funding will support clinical investigations, clinical performance evaluations, post-market follow-up studies, and animal studies for eligible medical devices.

The initiative is expected to accelerate medical device innovation while helping Indian manufacturers bring high-quality products to domestic and international markets.

Applications Open Until July 23

Eligible entities can submit their applications online through the official SMDI portal until July 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The government believes the Medical Device Industry Scheme will strengthen India's position as a global hub for healthcare technology and advanced medical devices.

For more information on global medical device regulations and standards, visit the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF): https://www.imdrf.org

FAQs

1. What is the Medical Device Industry Scheme?
It is a government initiative under the SMDI to promote domestic medical device manufacturing, innovation, and import substitution.

2. How much financial assistance is available?
Eligible manufacturers can receive up to ₹10 crore under the Marginal Investment Scheme, while clinical studies can receive up to ₹5 crore under MDCSS.

3. What is the objective of the scheme?
The scheme aims to reduce import dependence, strengthen medical device manufacturing in India, and support medical device innovation.

4. Who can apply?
Eligible manufacturers, startups, and organizations involved in medical device production and clinical research can apply, subject to government guidelines.

5. What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted through the official SMDI portal by July 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM.