The PM envisioned creating an ecosystem for innovation that will make India a leader in drug discovery and innovative medical devices
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the first Global Innovation Summit of the Pharmaceuticals sector. Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya was present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the PM said that the pandemic has brought the pharmaceuticals sector into sharp focus. Whether it is a lifestyle, or medicines, or medical technology, or vaccines, every aspect of healthcare has received global attention over the last two years. In this context, the PM said that the Indian pharmaceutical industry has also risen to the challenge. “The global trust earned by the Indian healthcare sector has led to India being called the “pharmacy of the world” in recent times,” Modi said.
The PM elaborated that “our definition of wellness is not limited by physical boundaries. We believe in the well-being of the entire humankind. And, we have shown this spirit to the whole world during the COVID-19 global pandemic.”
During the pandemic, “We exported lifesaving medicines and medical equipment to over 150 countries during the initial phase of the pandemic. We have also exported more than 65 million doses of covid vaccines to nearly 100 countries this year.”
The PM envisioned creating an ecosystem for innovation that will make India a leader in drug discovery and innovative medical devices. He said policy interventions are being made based on wide consultation with all stakeholders. The PM noted that India has a large pool of scientists and technologists with the potential to take the industry to greater heights. “This strength needs to be harnessed to ‘Discover and Make in India,’ he added.
The PM stressed developing indigenous capabilities. “Today, when 1.3 billion people of India have taken it upon themselves to make India Aatmanirbhar, we must think about ramping up domestic manufacturing of key ingredients for vaccines and medicines. This is one frontier that India has to conquer,” the PM urged.
The Prime Minister invited the stakeholders to Ideate in India, Innovate in India, Make in India and Make for the World. Discover your true strength and serve the World, he concluded.
