New Delhi, June 3 -- India is intensifying efforts to reduce its reliance on Chinese imports in the pharmaceutical sector by enhancing its Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.

The Department of Pharmaceuticals has announced an expanded PLI initiative focusing on the domestic manufacturing of critical Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and Key Starting Materials (KSMs).

This move aims to bolster the production of essential drugs, including antibiotics, antifungals, and treatments for conditions like epilepsy and diabetes.

The initial PLI scheme, launched in 2021 with an allocation of Rs 6,940 crore, has already led to the establishment of 51 projects across 34 notified bulk drugs.

As of now, 22 projects have commenced operat...