Bridging the Gap in India’s Glove Manufacturing Ecosystem: A Case Study on Nitrile Glove Production, Procurement Trends, and Policy Implications

Abstract

This article examines India’s nitrile glove manufacturing ecosystem and procurement trends to identify gaps in safety, policy and market structure. Using a 13-month procurement dataset from a hospital with five branches, the study reveals the continued dominance of latex gloves despite frequent complaints of skin rashes and allergies. The case study of Enliva India’s leading nitrile glove manufacturer at Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) illustrates advances in sustainable production, adherence to international standards, and challenges posed by inverted customs duties and import competition. The findings emphasize the need for a policy shift toward nitrile gloves to ensure worker safety and strengthen domestic manufacturing. The paper recommends expanding hospital-level procurement analysis and implementing NPPA-led price capping to promote affordable, high-quality medical-grade gloves nationwide.