Strengthening MSMEs in Pharmaceutical Sector: Three Schemes Launched

The government has recently launched three schemes to strengthen Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the pharmaceutical sector.

The chemicals and fertilisers ministry rolled out the schemes under the banner of 'Strengthening Pharmaceuticals Industry' (SPI).
The schemes provide for credit linked capital and interest subsidy for technology upgradation of MSME units in pharmaceutical sector, as well as support of up to Rs 20 crore each for common facilities, including research centre, testing labs and ETPs, in pharma clusters.
SIDBI will be the project management consultant for implementing the scheme.

The Schemes

PTUAS

The Pharmaceutical Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (PTUAS) would facilitate pharmaceutical MSMEs with proven track record to upgrade their technology.
The scheme has provisions for a capital subsidy of 10 per cent on loans up to a maximum limit of Rs 10 crore with a minimum repayment period of three years or interest subvention of up to 5 per cent (6 per cent in case of units owned by SC/ST) on reducing balance basis.

API-CF

Assistance to Pharma Industries for Common Facilities Scheme (API-CF) would strengthen the existing pharmaceutical clusters' capacity for sustained growth.
It provides for an assistance of up to 70 per cent of the approved project cost or Rs 20 crore, whichever is less.
In case of Himalayan and north-east region, the grant-in-aid would be Rs 20 crore per cluster or 90 per cent of the project cost, whichever is less.

PMPDS

Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Promotion and Development Scheme (PMPDS) would involve preparation of study reports on topics of importance for the Indian pharma and medical device industry.
The scheme is aimed at creating a database of pharma and medical device sectors.