The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) is significantly impacting India’s medical device manufacturing landscape by implementing targeted programs and financial backing for state-driven projects. Dr H G Koshia, Commissioner of the Gujarat Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA), highlights that Gujarat’s medical device park at Nagalpar, located near Rajkot, exemplifies this strategic intervention and foresight.
Dr Koshia further elaborates that this initiative is in sync with the DoP’s upcoming scheme, which aims to establish shared facilities for medical device parks or clusters developed with exclusive backing from state governments.
Supported entirely by the Gujarat government with a Rs. 250 crore budget, this project aims to innovate the local production of medical devices.
“This venture is consistent with the DoP’s drive to foster self-reliance in the medical device industry. The Gujarat government has set aside Rs. 250 crore for this cutting-edge park, sprawling across 336 acres, marking it as India’s first medical device park developed without any central funding. Operations are slated to kick-off by late 2025,” adds Dr Koshia.
The DoP has launched several initiatives to develop a strong foundation for medical device manufacturing, emphasizing reduced import reliance and promoting creativity. Through its “Promotion of Medical Devices Parks” initiative, Rs. 100 crore each has been sanctioned for four states—Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh—to create shared infrastructure in their parks.
Regarding the Nagalpar project, the DoP’s comprehensive vision aligns with Gujarat’s pioneering industrial spirit. “The Nagalpar medical device park is set to house around 400 companies and draw investments worth USD 100–150 million over the next three years. Its prime location as an engineering hub will facilitate R&D, testing, training, and manufacturing, promising substantial investment returns,” states Dr. Koshia.
The Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) is spearheading the construction, already underway, while ensuring it aligns with the DoP’s broader goals of economic and commercial feasibility.
Moreover, the Central government’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, with a financial allocation of Rs. 3,420 crore, offers incentives for the increased sale of domestically made medical devices across four key areas. This scheme, operating until FY 2027-28, aims to boost competitiveness and drive innovation within the sector.
Additionally, the DoP’s backing for specialized amenities, like the Rs. 25 crore grant to Andhra Pradesh Medtech Zone Ltd. (AMTZ), emphasizes its dedication to establishing critical facilities for cutting-edge medical technology.
“Gujarat’s Nagalpar medical device park, aligned with DoP’s strategic outlook, marks a significant milestone in positioning India as a leading global hub for medical device production,” Dr Koshia concludes.