Goa: Proposed medical device park still under Centre’s scrutiny

PANAJI: Goa’s proposal to set up a medical device park, which was submitted in late 2020, remains pending for scrutiny with the Centre. The Centre’s department of pharmaceuticals had sought a few clarifications from the directorate of industries, trade and commerce, which have been provided, said director for industries Swetika Sachan.
The state has identified a parcel of land of approximately 250 acres at the Verna industrial estate that is in possession of the Goa Industrial Development Corporation.Of the 250 acres, around 125 acres would be made available for allotment to units manufacturing medical devices.

“Goa’s proposal is pending with the Centre. It is scrutinising all the applications received from the states,” said Sachan. “More information was sought regarding feasibility and a financial viability study of the project, including assumptions made.”
The Centre also sought additional information on the incentives and industrial schemes offered to potential investors.
India’s medical devices manufacturing sector lacks a level playing field when compared to those in other countries. “The medical device industry in an upcoming one with a lot of potential for job creation in the state in the areas of manufacturing and research. Already, a few such industries are operating in Goa. Also, many technical institutes in the state have shown their support towards the proposal,” Sachan said.
Since the proposal has to be accepted by the Government of India, the Goa government has not formally approached any industries or firms or tried to woo investors to set up medical device manufacturing units.
The Centre is offering a grant-in-aid of 70% of the project cost of common infrastructure facilities, up to Rs 100 crore, while 30% of the cost has to be borne by Goa.