The update was shared by Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Smt. Anupriya Patel, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Monday. The response highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to build a strong research-driven foundation for India’s rapidly expanding medical devices and health technology sector.
Seven Centres of Excellence at NIPERs
A key pillar of the PRIP scheme is the creation of advanced research infrastructure through Centres of Excellence (CoEs). Under Component A of the scheme, the Department of Pharmaceuticals has established seven such centres, one each at the seven National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) located across the country.
These Centres of Excellence are designed to act as hubs for high-quality research, product development, and collaboration between academia and industry. As of January 31, 2026, the government has released ₹183.46 crore for setting up and operationalising these centres, underscoring the scale of public investment being directed toward MedTech innovation.
Wide Participation from Industry and Start-ups
The 710 proposals received under the PRIP scheme span a wide range of applicants, including established medical device manufacturers, early-stage start-ups, and MSMEs. According to officials, several of these projects fall under priority areas identified by the government, making them eligible for higher levels of financial assistance.
The focus on priority areas is intended to encourage innovation in critical segments of medical technology, reduce import dependence, and promote the development of affordable and high-quality devices for domestic and global markets.
Multi-Stage Appraisal for Financial Assistance
Approval for financial assistance under the PRIP scheme follows a structured and rigorous multi-stage appraisal process, as laid down in the scheme’s guidelines. This process is aimed at ensuring that public funds are directed toward projects with strong technical merit, commercial potential, and long-term impact on the healthcare ecosystem.
Depending on eligibility and project category, selected proposals may receive full funding assistance or higher funding support. Government officials have emphasised that this evaluation framework helps maintain transparency while promoting innovation-driven outcomes.
Strengthening India’s MedTech Ecosystem
The PRIP scheme forms part of a broader strategy to position India as a global hub for medical devices and health technologies. By combining infrastructure creation at NIPERs with direct support for industry-led research, the scheme seeks to bridge the gap between laboratory research and market-ready products.
Experts believe that initiatives like PRIP will play a crucial role in nurturing indigenous innovation, supporting start-ups, and building skilled human resources in the MedTech sector. Over time, this is expected to improve patient access to advanced technologies while boosting exports and employment.
