India Launches Workshop to Boost Pharma Innovation
The Department of Pharmaceuticals, under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, hosted a significant workshop today aimed at promoting research and innovation in the Pharma-MedTech sector. Inaugurated by key officials from five government ministries, the event focused on collaborative strategies to enhance research and development in pharmaceuticals and medical technologies. The workshop served as a platform for stakeholders to outline actionable steps toward advancing India’s position in the global healthcare landscape.
Key Officials Highlight Sector Growth
Shri Amit Agrawal, Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, emphasized the rapid growth of the pharmaceutical sector, noting that research and innovation are crucial for India’s global competitiveness. He pointed out that the market share of personalized and precision technology platforms among the top 100 drugs is expected to rise significantly, from 5% in 2020 to a projected 20% by 2030. Agrawal also highlighted the remarkable increase in Indian healthcare startups, which surged from over 900 in 2020 to more than 10,000 in 2024, showcasing the burgeoning innovation ecosystem in the country.
Agrawal stated that the groundwork for the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech (PRIP) scheme has been established through this expanding network of startups and industry initiatives. He mentioned various supportive measures from scientific ministries, including clinical trial networks, patenting assistance, and funding opportunities for startups. These initiatives aim to foster a robust environment for innovation in drug and medical technology development.
Government’s Commitment to Research Ecosystem
During the workshop, Agrawal reiterated the government’s dedication to creating a strong research ecosystem. He described the PRIP scheme as a transformative initiative designed to catalyze innovation and strengthen partnerships between academia and industry. This initiative aims to position India as a leader in pharmaceutical and MedTech research on a global scale. Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), stressed the importance of cutting-edge scientific research in enhancing India’s healthcare system. He highlighted the extensive support available through DST’s incubator and accelerator networks, which are vital for nurturing innovative projects in the sector.
Embracing Digital Health and Collaboration
Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), discussed the transformative potential of digital health, artificial intelligence, and data-driven technologies in drug discovery and medical device development. He underscored the research capabilities of MeitY’s organizations, which play a crucial role in advancing these technologies. Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the Department of Health Research (DHR) and Director General of the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), emphasized the significance of clinical research and indigenous drug development. He expressed ICMR’s commitment to supporting the PRIP scheme through various initiatives aimed at fostering industry-academia collaboration and expediting the commercialization of research outcomes.
Workshop Outcomes and Future Directions
The workshop featured four breakout sessions, engaging over 100 participants from leading scientific departments and institutions, including IITs and CSIR labs. Discussions revolved around emerging trends in pharmaceutical and MedTech research, strategies for translating research into market-ready products, and government support mechanisms to accelerate growth in the sector.
Participants were encouraged to submit their suggestions via the Expression of Interest (EoI) form for the PRIP scheme, which will remain open until April 7, 2025. This initiative aims to incorporate feedback from stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of the PRIP scheme and further enable innovation in India’s pharmaceutical landscape.
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