MP Questions Implementation of National Medical Devices Policy in Lok Sabha
Khammam: MP R Raghuram Reddy raised an important question in the Lok Sabha on Friday regarding the progress of implementing the National Medical Devices Policy (NMDP-2023). He inquired about the steps taken to reduce India’s dependency on imported medical devices by 70%.
During the winter session, Reddy sought clarity on whether a concrete plan had been prepared to achieve this goal. In response, Anupriya Patel, the Minister of State for Health, Family Welfare, Fertilizers, and Chemicals, provided a written reply. She assured the House that efforts were underway to implement the policy, with her ministry working in coordination with the Department of Pharmaceuticals.
The minister highlighted that the government was actively promoting domestic manufacturing of medical devices. Responding to Reddy’s query about financial support for these initiatives, Patel explained that the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme was a key component of the policy. Its primary aim is to boost local production and attract significant investments in the medical devices sector.
Patel further informed the Lok Sabha that the Union Cabinet had approved the PLI Scheme on March 20, 2020. She added that a total budget of ₹3,420 crore had been allocated for the scheme, which will be utilized until the financial year 2027-28. Additionally, the minister emphasized that the government was taking measures to reduce manufacturing costs while also considering environmental benefits.
