New Delhi, May 26 (KNN) The Department of Pharmaceuticals has launched a new round of applications for drug manufacturers seeking to establish manufacturing facilities under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. The initiative targets 11 key pharmaceutical products that remain either unsubscribed or partially subscribed from previous phases of the program. The designated products encompass critical antibiotics and analgesics, including Neomycin, Gentamycin, Erythromycin, Streptomycin, Tetracycline, Ciprofloxacin, and Diclofenac Sodium. Interested manufacturers have until June 14 to submit their applications for consideration under this scheme designed to bolster India's domestic pharmaceutical production capabilities. The PLI framework operates under specific parameters that determine incentive distribution based on available manufacturing capacity, predetermined product ceilings, and established production timelines. Chemical synthesis products will receive incentives through the financial year 2027-28, while fermentation-based products enjoy an extended incentive period until 2028-29. Companies previously approved under the scheme who subsequently withdrew or faced approval cancellations are barred from reapplying. The Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil) has actively encouraged its membership to capitalise on this opportunity. Director General Raja Bhanu characterised the scheme as presenting substantial prospects for companies to expand their manufacturing capacity in essential pharmaceutical ingredients. This application round represents a continuation of the government's strategic initiative to promote domestic production of Key Starting Materials (KSMs), Drug Intermediates (DIs), and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). Originally introduced in 2020 and subsequently revised to align with industry requirements, the PLI scheme encompasses 41 products with a total financial allocation of Rs 6,940 crore. The pharmaceutical PLI initiative forms part of a comprehensive government strategy that introduced similar schemes across 14 major sectors four years ago. These sectors include bulk drugs, medical devices, electronics, food processing, and automobiles. Official data indicates that through November 2024, approximately 764 applications received approval under these various schemes, generating investments totalling Rs 1.61 lakh crore. The government has distributed Rs 14,020 crore in incentives across 10 sectors to date.