How to Apply for the PLI Scheme for Manufacturing Medical Devices in India

In 2020, the Government of India introduced the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme specifically for medical devices. The scheme provides financial incentives to eligible companies that invest in new plant and machinery or expand existing facilities to manufacture medical devices in India. The incentives are based on incremental sales over the next five years & are expected to boost domestic production, create employment opportunities, and reduce the country's dependence on imports. To learn more about the features and eligibility  CLICK HERE.

Why Apply for the PLI Scheme?

Eligible manufacturers of this scheme are capable to avail the following benefits –

• The scheme provides financial incentives based on incremental sales over the next five years. Investing in domestic manufacturing of medical devices under the PLI scheme can lead to notable reductions in production costs and enhance the profitability of companies involved in this sector.
• Due to the competitiveness among the eligible contenders for the incentives, companies will work towards increasing their production capacity, improve the quality of their products, and reduce their dependence on imports. This can lead to a more sustainable and self-reliant healthcare ecosystem in the country.

What are Some Key Obligations as a Recipient of the PLI Scheme?

Under the PLI Scheme, the manufacturers are expected to fulfil certain obligations in order to remain eligible for complete benefits of the scheme and avoid penalties which may also impact the company’s reputation.

• The recipient companies must comply with all relevant regulations, such as the Medical Devices Rules, 2017, and other applicable laws and regulations related to the manufacturing and sale of medical devices.
• The recipients must submit regular reports on their production and sales to the concerned authorities as per the guidelines. These reports are necessary to assess the progress of the scheme and disburse incentives.
• The recipients must adhere to the specified quality standards for the medical devices manufactured. The quality standards must be certified by a recognized certification body.
• The recipients must invest in new plant and machinery or expand existing facilities to manufacture medical devices in India. The investments made by the recipient companies are crucial for creating new jobs and increasing production capacity.

How to Pitch for the PLI Scheme?

A manufacturer may need to provide a convincing pitch to the authorities in order to enjoy the benefits of the PLI scheme for manufacturing Medical Devices in India. Here are some essential steps to pitch for the PLI scheme in Medical Devices:

• Research the PLI scheme for Medical Devices: Before you pitch for the PLI scheme, make sure to understand the objectives, requirements and eligibility of the scheme.
• Highlight your company's capabilities: It is important to highlight your company's experience, expertise, and capabilities in the field of medical device manufacturing. It is important to share the company's track record, production capacity, and quality standards to demonstrate your ability to meet the production targets under the PLI scheme.
• Present your investment and production plans: The PLI scheme for medical devices is designed to encourage investments in its manufacturing in India. Therefore, clearly presenting investment plans, including the amount of investment, the sources of funding, and the timeline for investment is necessary. Also, a clear outline of the production plans and plan to achieve the targets can be beneficial.
• Emphasise the benefits of the PLI scheme: Highlighting the benefits of the PLI scheme for medical devices and how it will help you scale up your manufacturing operations is important.

Process of Application and Disbursement of Incentives

The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for medical devices is an initiative by the Indian government to promote its manufacturing in India. To apply for the PLI scheme for medical devices, an eligible manufacturer may follow the following steps-

1.    Register on the PLI portal: You can visit the PLI portal (https://pli-eda.gov.in/) and create an account by providing your basic details.

2.    Fill in the application form: The application form may require you to provide details such as your company name, address, production targets, investment plans, etc.

3.    Upload the required documents: You may also need to upload certain documents such as company registration certificate, PAN card, GST registration, etc.

4.    Submit the application: Once you have completed the application form and uploaded the necessary documents, you can proceed to submit your application for the PLI scheme.

5.    Wait for approval: Once you have submitted your application, it will be reviewed by the PMA. If your application is approved, the incentives shall disburse after completion of all pre-disbursal formalities.


The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for medical devices in India provides a significant opportunity for eligible companies to contribute to the growth of the domestic medical device industry and enhance the country's self-sufficiency in this critical sector.