Hyderabad to become the pharma capital of the world: Kishan Reddy's call to action

Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, urged the pharmaceutical industry to strengthen Hyderabad’s reputation as the ‘pharmacy hub of the world’. Speaking at the valedictory session of the 73rd Indian Pharmaceutical Congress at HITEX Exhibition Centre, Reddy highlighted Hyderabad’s robust research infrastructure, including the newly established National Animal Resource Facility for Biomedical Research (ICMR-NARFBR).

Government Support and Investment

Reddy emphasized the Central Government’s commitment to the pharma sector with an allocation of ₹15,000 crore to boost manufacturing. This support is part of a broader strategy to foster indigenization and elevate the sector to global standards.

Impressive Export Contributions

“The pharma sector contributes over 5% of India’s total exports, amounting to ₹1.87 lakh crore, with ₹67,000 crore of exports going to the United States,” Reddy noted, underscoring the global competitiveness of Indian pharmaceuticals.

Technological and Infrastructure Enhancements

Reddy highlighted the Centre’s Pharmaceutical Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme aimed at meeting international standards. He also assured financial support for infrastructure development at proposed Bulk Drug Parks.

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India is rapidly becoming a global pharmaceutical leader. Reddy cited the country's remarkable achievement of exporting 75 million doses of indigenously-made COVID vaccines to 94 countries in a short period.

Industrial and Medical Expansion

Reddy detailed the government's efforts to bolster industrial growth, including doubling the number of airports and significantly expanding national highways and freight corridors. He also highlighted the exponential rise in power demand as a testament to India's growing infrastructure needs.

The government has removed 1,562 obsolete laws, promoted UPI payments, and enhanced public payment infrastructure to facilitate ease of doing business. The Pharmaceutical Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme is expected to further strengthen the industry.

Boost in Medical Education and Healthcare Access

Reddy noted the significant increase in medical colleges, from 388 to 706, and in medical seats, from 51,348 to 1.09 lakh, with postgraduate seats rising by 127%. He supported plans for a dedicated pharma university and promised to seek necessary government support.

The Ayushman Bharat scheme has provided medical insurance up to ₹5 lakh to about 12 crore people, while ‘Jan Aushadi’ stores offer subsidized medicines. B. Parthasarathi Reddy, the president of the congress, was also present at the event.

Key Points:

Hyderabad's potential as the 'pharma capital of the world' is being driven by substantial government support and advanced research facilities.

The Indian pharmaceutical sector's global reach is evident, with significant exports to the US.

Infrastructure and policy reforms are paving the way for industrial and healthcare growth.

A significant increase in medical education capacity and access to affordable healthcare services underscores the government's commitment to health sector development.