Department of Pharmaceuticals

The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), created in 2008 under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, is the Government of India's nodal department for the pharmaceutical and medical-devices industry. Headquartered in New Delhi, it frames policy on drug pricing, manufacturing promotion, R&D, and the development of India's standing as the pharmacy of the world.

Support for startups and industry. DoP administers several incentive and infrastructure schemes relevant to founders and manufacturers:

• PLI for Pharmaceuticals and PLI for Bulk Drugs (KSMs/Drug Intermediates & APIs): production-linked incentives to build domestic manufacturing of critical inputs and high-value formulations.
• PLI for Medical Devices and Promotion of Medical Device Parks: capital support and common infrastructure for medtech manufacturing.
• Bulk Drug Parks scheme providing common utilities to lower the cost of API production.
• Scheme for Promotion of Research & Innovation in Pharma MedTech Sector (PRIP): a dedicated programme offering grants and incentives to startups, academia and MSMEs in priority areas.

Institutions. DoP oversees the network of National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs), which host incubation and translational-research facilities for pharma and biotech entrepreneurs.

Eligibility. Pharmaceutical, biotech and medical-device startups, MSMEs, manufacturers and research institutions are eligible across the PLI, infrastructure and innovation schemes.

Who should apply. Founders in pharma, API manufacturing, medtech and drug-discovery seeking production-linked incentives, innovation grants (PRIP) or park-based infrastructure should track notifications at pharmaceuticals.gov.in and engage with the NIPER incubators.