New Delhi— India’s pharmaceutical exports have surged by 92 per cent over the last six years, thanks to targeted government initiatives under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, the Parliament was informed on Friday.
Exports in the sector rose from Rs 1,28,028 crore in FY 2018–19 to Rs 2,45,962 crore in FY 2024–25, according to Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Anupriya Patel, who submitted a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
This growth, she said, was fueled by a series of strategic schemes, including:
Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma MedTech Sector (PRIP)
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals
PLI Scheme for Bulk Drugs
Scheme for Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks
Strengthening of Pharmaceutical Industry (SPI) Scheme
Boosting Innovation & R&D
The PRIP scheme, with an outlay of Rs 5,000 crore, is aimed at transforming India’s pharma and MedTech sector from cost-based to innovation-led growth. It focuses on strengthening R&D, fostering industry-academia collaboration, and promoting drug discovery and development. So far, seven Centres of Excellence (CoEs) have been established under this scheme.
PLI Schemes Yielding Strong Returns
The PLI Scheme for Pharmaceuticals, launched to enhance domestic manufacturing and diversify into high-value products, has seen impressive outcomes.
As of March 2025, Rs 37,306 crore has already been invested—far exceeding the Rs 17,275 crore committed over six years.
Cumulative sales of approved products reached Rs 2,66,528 crore, including Rs 1,70,807 crore in exports.
The PLI Scheme for Bulk Drugs, with an outlay of Rs 6,940 crore, was designed to reduce India’s dependency on critical imports by ensuring a stable domestic supply of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
Against the committed investment of Rs 3,938.5 crore, actual investments reached Rs 4,570 crore by the scheme’s third year.
Affordable Healthcare: Jan Aushadhi Scheme’s Growing Reach
Minister Patel also highlighted the success of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, aimed at providing affordable, quality generic medicines through a countrywide network of Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs).
As of June 6, 2025, a total of 16,912 JAKs have been opened.
On average, 10–12 lakh people visit these outlets daily.
The scheme covers 2,110 medicines and 315 medical consumables/devices across major therapeutic categories.
Medicines are priced 50–80% lower than branded alternatives.
The scheme has resulted in estimated savings of Rs 38,000 crore for Indian citizens over the last 11 years and provided self-employment to over 16,000 people, including 6,800 women entrepreneurs. (Source: IANS)
