HM Amit Shah Calls For Pharma Innovation
Home Minister calls for self-reliance in medicines and stronger research ecosystem
- Amit Shah described India’s pharma sector as a strategic national asset.
- He highlighted PLI, PRIP, Bulk Drug Parks and Medical Device Parks as key initiatives.
- India must become self-reliant in medicines and expand global exports, Shah said.
- He urged companies to invest in research and encourage young researchers.
GG News Bureau
Ahmedabad, 27th Aug: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Thursday called for greater research, innovation and domestic manufacturing in India’s pharmaceutical and medical-device sectors while stressing the need to expand the country’s global presence in medicines.
Shah was addressing the PharmaInnova Awards Ceremony 2026, organised by Troika Pharmaceuticals in Ahmedabad, as the chief guest.
He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a goal of making India a leading country across sectors by 2047 while preserving its civilisational values. Shah said India’s pharmaceutical industry must play an important role in achieving this vision.
Describing the pharma sector as a strategic national asset, Shah said India must not only become self-reliant in medicines but also ensure that Made-in-India medicines reach markets across the world.
Push for Pharma Manufacturing
Shah highlighted the government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, Bulk Drug Parks and Medical Device Parks, saying these initiatives are helping create a stronger domestic manufacturing ecosystem.
He said investments of around ₹42,700 crore have been made under these initiatives and that India’s drug exports have crossed ₹3.64 lakh crore.
Shah said the government is also working to develop an ecosystem capable of manufacturing a wider range of medical devices in India, with the objective of enabling domestic production of such equipment before 2028.
Focus on Research
The Home Minister urged pharmaceutical companies to increase investments in research and encourage meritorious students, researchers and professionals.
He highlighted the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma MedTech Sector (PRIP) scheme, saying government support for research and innovation would be important for the sector’s future growth.
“Unless we promote research, we cannot move forward,” Shah said, stressing the need for greater industry participation in research and development.
India’s Healthcare Growth
Shah said India’s healthcare approach has expanded beyond patient treatment to include health infrastructure, medicines, research, development and manufacturing.
He also highlighted the government’s healthcare and sanitation initiatives, including Ayushman Bharat, expansion of rural health infrastructure, household toilets and access to tap water.
Referring to India’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic, Shah said the country developed vaccines within 13 months and supplied vaccines to several countries.
He also highlighted India’s growing startup ecosystem and young entrepreneurs as examples of the country’s expanding capacity for innovation.
