NEW DELHI, Mar 21 : Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that India is steadily emerging as a robust pharma economy, which will not only accelerate future growth but also emerge as a significant contributor to the country’s overall GDP.
The minister emphasised that the growing strength of India’s pharmaceutical, medtech and manufacturing ecosystem is positioning the country as a key global manufacturing hub, particularly in high-quality, affordable healthcare solutions.
Delivering keynote address to a distinguished gathering at the “Healthcare Summit” organised by a leading English media house here, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the discussions revolved around two central themes- “Made in India” and “Quality”. He highlighted that India’s healthcare and medtech ecosystem is undergoing a major shift, with a strong focus on global quality benchmarks, indigenous innovation, and integration of research with industry.
The Minister said that over the past decade, India has witnessed a remarkable transformation in healthcare, moving from a largely import-dependent system to one driven by indigenous capabilities. He recalled that earlier, critical medical devices, implants, and even advanced drugs were largely sourced from abroad, making treatment expensive and inaccessible for many. Today, India is developing its own antibiotics, vaccines, and advanced therapies, marking a decisive shift towards self-reliance.
Dr Jitendra Singh referred to the development of indigenous antibiotics and the rapid progress made during the COVID-19 pandemic, when India not only developed its own vaccines but also supplied them to several countries, reinforcing its role as a global healthcare partner. He said this transition reflects India’s growing credibility in both therapeutic and preventive healthcare.
The Minister also spoke about the emergence of cutting-edge technologies in India’s healthcare ecosystem, including gene therapy, with successful trials in conditions like haemophilia, as well as innovations in treatment for diseases such as sickle cell anaemia. He added that Indian institutions are now contributing to globally recognised research, with publications in leading international medical journals.
Highlighting the government’s push for quality standards, Dr Jitendra Singh said that “homegrown” products in India now match global benchmarks, with regulatory systems aligned to international standards. Through streamlined approval mechanisms and strengthened regulatory frameworks, indigenous medical devices such as stents, ventilators and diagnostic equipment are ensuring safety, efficacy, and affordability.
On the policy front, the Minister referred to initiatives like the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech (PRIP) scheme with an outlay of Rs 5,000 crore, aimed at transitioning India from low-cost manufacturing to high-value innovation. He also mentioned targeted support for the medical devices sector, including funding for common infrastructure, testing facilities and R&D clusters, which are reducing costs and enhancing competitiveness.
The Minister further said that initiatives like the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and the Maha MedTech Mission are strengthening the research ecosystem by connecting laboratories with clinical applications. The MedTech Mitra platform is enabling innovators to navigate regulatory pathways and access clinical trial networks more efficiently.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said that India currently holds around 1.5 per cent of the global medical device market but is working towards significantly expanding its share under the National Medical Device Policy 2023. He added that India aims to become one of the top global manufacturing hubs in this sector, reducing import dependence while boosting exports.
The Minister also highlighted the growing synergy between public and private sectors, stating that collaboration between industry, academia and government institutions has been institutionalised across sectors such as biotechnology, space, and healthcare. This integrated approach, he said, is essential in an era where scientific advancements are increasingly interdisciplinary.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said that with strong policy support, increased private sector participation and a focus on innovation-driven manufacturing, India is well on its way to becoming a preferred global destination for affordable, high-quality healthcare solutions, while also strengthening its position in the global bioeconomy and contributing significantly to national economic growth.
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