The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (MoC&F) has released the guidelines for ‘Strengthening of Pharmaceutical Industry (SPI)’ scheme with a total financial outlay of Rs 500 Crore for the period of 5 years(i.e. from FY 21-22 to FY 25-26).
What is in the scheme?
i.The scheme will support and strengthen the existing Pharma clusters and MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises) in India to improve their productivity, quality and sustainability, and to make India a global leader in the Pharma Sector.
ii.For the upgradation of the production facilities of SMEs and MSMEs at par with national and international regulatory standards (WHO-GMP or Schedule-M), interest subvention or capital subsidy on their capital loans will be provided.
- WHO-GMP is acronym for World Health Organization-Good Manufacturing Practice
Three components of scheme:
i.Assistance to Pharmaceutical Industry for Common Facilities (APICF):
It is to strengthen the existing pharmaceutical clusters’ capacity by creating common facilities with the focus on R&D (Research & Development) Labs, Testing Laboratories, Effluent Treatment Plants, Logistic Centres and Training Centres.
- Outlay– Rs 178.40 Cr for a period of 5 years.
ii.Pharmaceutical Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (PTUAS):
It will facilitate MSMEs of proven track record to meet national and international regulatory standards. Under this support to SME Industries is proposed, either through up to maximum of 5% per annum (6% in case of units owned and managed by SC/STs) of interest subvention or through Credit linked Capital subsidy of 10%.
- In both the cases, the loan supported under this is to a limit of 10 Crores.
- Outlay- Rs 300.10 Cr for period of five years.
iii.Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices Promotion and Development Scheme (PMPDS) It facilitate growth and development of Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Sectors through study/survey reports, awareness programs, creation of database, and promotion of industry.
- Outlay- Rs 21.50 Cr for a period of five years.
Scheme Steering Committee (SSC)
DoP will provide overall policy, coordination and management support for the implementation of the Scheme. The proposals under the scheme will be considered for approval by the Scheme Steering Committee (SSC). Its chairperson will be Secretary, DoP (Currently- Ms. S. Aparna)
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About Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (MoC&F):
Union Minister- Mansukh Laxmanbhai Mandaviya (Constituency- Gujarat)
Minister of State- Bhagawanth Khuba (Constituency – Bidar, Karnataka)
