New Delhi, Mar 10 (KNN) The Indian government has approved 103 applications for Central financial assistance under the revamped Pharmaceutical Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (RPTUAS).
This move aims to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) drug manufacturers in upgrading their facilities to meet international standards, thereby boosting India’s pharmaceutical exports.
The total financial aid sanctioned under the scheme amounts to Rs 105 crore. According to the Union Health Ministry, India is home to around 10,000 MSME drug manufacturers, but only 2,000 currently hold the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification.
The scheme, launched last year, intends to modernize manufacturing units following quality concerns regarding Indian drug exports.
In 2023, the government revised Schedule M under the Drugs and Cosmetic Act, mandating GMP compliance for all pharmaceutical companies.
The amendments to RPTUAS in September 2024 increased financial incentives, with support now reaching up to Rs 2 crore per firm.
Drug manufacturers with revenue between Rs 1 crore and Rs 50 crore will receive 20 per cent of their investment, while firms with revenue between Rs 50 crore and Rs 250 crore will get 15 per cent.
Companies earning between Rs 250 crore and Rs 500 crore qualify for 10 per cent assistance. The funds cover essential upgrades, including utilities, clean rooms, testing labs, and waste management systems.
Two companies have already completed the upgrade process, while an additional 200 units have shown interest in the scheme.
Major pharmaceutical hubs such as Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Hyderabad, Maharashtra, and Gujarat remain under the scrutiny of state and central drug authorities.
India, the world’s largest supplier of generic medicines, produces around 60,000 drugs across 60 therapeutic categories, contributing 20 per cent of the global generic drug supply.
The government has also granted MSME drug firms a one-year extension to comply with GMP regulations.
(KNN Bureau)
