Significant Growth in India's Pharma Sector by 2025

Major Developments in the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry

New Delhi, Jan 7: The Indian pharmaceutical sector has experienced substantial growth by 2025, largely attributed to government initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), along with the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) and the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma Medtech Sector (PRIP), as announced by the government on Tuesday.

According to an official announcement from the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, the PMBJP has successfully established 2,202 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) in 2025, bringing the cumulative total to 17,610 since its inception.

These centres, managed by the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), offer generic alternatives to branded medications at lower costs.

The PMBJP includes a range of 2,110 medicines and 315 medical devices and consumables across 29 therapeutic categories, such as anti-infectives, anti-diabetics, cardiovascular treatments, anti-cancer drugs, and gastrointestinal medications.

In the fiscal year 2024-25, the PMBI reported sales amounting to Rs 2,022.47 crore, resulting in savings of around Rs 8,000 crore for the public.

For the current financial year 2025-26, up to November, the PMBI has achieved sales of Rs 1,409.32 crore, leading to savings of approximately Rs 5,637 crore for citizens.

The PLI Scheme for pharmaceuticals encourages the production of high-value items, including biopharmaceuticals, complex generics, and orphan drugs.

Since its launch until September 2025, the scheme has generated total sales of Rs 3,08,408.60 crore, with exports contributing Rs 1,98,509.49 crore.

Additionally, investments totaling Rs 40,294 crore have been made under this scheme, significantly surpassing the initial target of Rs 17,275 crore.

The PLI initiative has also played a crucial role in decreasing India's reliance on imported bulk drugs.

According to the statement, 30% of India's total bulk drug exports and 26.5% of overall formulation exports in FY 2025 were achieved through production under this scheme.

As part of the PRIP Scheme, 111 research projects have received approval.

Other notable accomplishments from the ministry in 2025 include the successful India Medtech Expo 2025, which highlighted the comprehensive MedTech ecosystem in the nation, further establishing India's status as a global hub for MedTech innovation.

Moreover, the National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) continue to advance medical education, with NIPERs being ranked among the top 30 pharmacy institutions in India, and 40 faculty members listed in the prestigious Stanford Top 2% Scientists List.