India's Pharmaceutical Sector Transformation: 12 Years of Growth
The Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers has documented significant achievements in the pharmaceutical sector over the past 12 years, focusing on affordable healthcare and domestic manufacturing enhancement. The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has expanded dramatically from approximately 84 functional Jan Aushadhi Kendras in 2014 to over 19,200 Kendras nationwide by 2026, making quality generic medicines accessible at affordable prices. This expansion has been particularly notable in remote regions, with the eight North Eastern States seeing growth from just one Kendra in 2014 to 417 in 2026.
State-wise distribution shows Uttar Pradesh leads with 4,042 Kendras, followed by Kerala (1,791), Karnataka (1,665), Tamil Nadu (1,591), Bihar (1,183), West Bengal (937), Gujarat (918), Odisha (852), Rajasthan (718), and Maharashtra (741). Specific regions have shown remarkable growth: New Delhi expanded from 4 to 645 Kendras, Jammu & Kashmir from 6 to 358, Himachal Pradesh from 8 to 76, Punjab from 20 to 556, and Tripura from 1 to 33. The scheme has generated cumulative savings of over ₹40,000 crore on healthcare expenses for citizens.
Production Linked Incentive Schemes Performance
The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals, launched in 2020-21, has attracted cumulative investments of ₹42,694.89 crore and generated cumulative sales of ₹3,43,215.27 crore while creating employment for over 1,13,000 persons. The scheme has strengthened India's capabilities in high-value medicines including biopharmaceuticals and complex generic drugs.
The PLI Scheme for Promoting Domestic Manufacturing of Medical Devices has attracted investments worth ₹1,136.23 crore and generated cumulative sales of ₹29,402.93 crore, creating employment for 6,822 persons. This scheme has accelerated domestic manufacturing of critical medical devices, contributing to self-reliance in the Med Tech sector.
Infrastructure Development Initiatives
Under the Bulk Drug Parks Scheme, three Bulk Drug Parks are being established in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Himachal Pradesh to boost domestic manufacturing of bulk drugs and reduce import dependence. These parks are creating world-class infrastructure to strengthen the pharmaceutical supply chain.
The Scheme for Promotion of Medical Device Parks, launched on 21 July 2020, is establishing Medical Device Parks in Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh to strengthen India's medical devices sector through shared infrastructure and reduced production costs.
The Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Promotion and Development Scheme (PMPDS) has conducted 47 stakeholder events and 12 sectoral studies to facilitate industry-government collaboration, promote innovation, and support evidence-based policymaking.
Future Initiatives
The Biopharma SHAKTI (Strategy for Healthcare Advancement through Knowledge, Technology, and Innovation) scheme was announced in the 2025-26 Budget with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore over 5 years. This initiative aims to strengthen India's biopharmaceuticals sector and improve access to affordable biological medicines by supporting a self-reliant ecosystem for biologics and biosimilars.
These collective initiatives reflect the government's commitment to building an Atmanirbhar Bharat, promoting investment and innovation, creating employment opportunities, and positioning India as a globally competitive hub for pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, and medical devices.