The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, has invited proposals from eligible entities under the Scheme for Strengthening of Medical Device Industry (SMDI), offering financial support of up to ₹10 crore to strengthen domestic medical device manufacturing and reduce the country's dependence on imports. According to a press release issued by the department, applications will be accepted through the SMDI online portal until 6:00 PM on July 23, 2026.
As per the press release, the current call for proposals covers two sub-schemes under SMDI: the Marginal Investment Scheme for Reducing Import Dependence (MISRI) and the Medical Device Clinical Studies Support Scheme (MDCSS). The department said the initiative aims to promote domestic manufacturing, encourage innovation, and deepen value chains in India's medical devices sector.
Under MISRI, selected applicants will receive a one-time capital subsidy of up to ₹10 crore on a reimbursement basis for manufacturing key components, raw materials, finished medical devices, and accessories that can help reduce import dependence. According to the Department of Pharmaceuticals, the financial assistance is intended to strengthen local manufacturing capabilities in critical segments of the medical technology industry.
The second component, MDCSS, will provide financial support of up to ₹5 crore on a reimbursement basis to eligible applicants undertaking clinical investigations, clinical performance evaluations, post-market follow-up studies, and animal studies for medical devices. The department stated that the scheme is intended to support the generation of clinical evidence for domestically developed medical devices.
According to the press release, proposals must be submitted through the dedicated SMDI portal by the prescribed deadline. The Department of Pharmaceuticals has advised applicants to refer to the scheme guidelines available on its official website for eligibility criteria, the application process, and other terms and conditions.
The Scheme for Strengthening of Medical Device Industry (SMDI) was approved by the Union Cabinet with a total outlay of ₹500 crore to support the growth of India's medical device sector. The scheme is being implemented between FY 2024-25 and FY 2026-27 and seeks to strengthen domestic manufacturing, promote innovation, improve access to testing and common infrastructure, support clinical validation, and develop skilled manpower for the sector.
SMDI comprises five sub-schemes:
Common Facilities for Medical Device Clusters
Marginal Investment Scheme for Reducing Import Dependence (MISRI)
Capacity Building and Skill Development in the Medical Device Sector
Medical Device Clinical Studies Support Scheme (MDCSS)
Medical Device Promotion Scheme
Also see: India’s Medical Device Exports Cross $4 Billion in FY25, $30 Billion Market Target by 2030
According to the Department of Pharmaceuticals, the Marginal Investment Scheme seeks to encourage domestic production of critical components and raw materials used in medical devices, an area where India continues to rely significantly on imports. Strengthening local manufacturing is expected to improve supply chain resilience while enhancing the competitiveness of Indian manufacturers.
Similarly, the Medical Device Clinical Studies Support Scheme is designed to assist manufacturers in generating scientific and clinical evidence required for regulatory approvals and market adoption. By supporting clinical investigations and performance evaluations, the government aims to improve the quality, safety, and global acceptance of medical devices developed in India.
According to the Department of Pharmaceuticals, the scheme seeks to reduce import dependence while fostering innovation and expanding the country's medical technology ecosystem.
(Rh/ARC/MSM)