Uttar Pradesh Pharma Conclave Attracts Massive Investment Commitments
The Uttar Pradesh government has successfully inked memorandums of understanding (MoUs) valued at a staggering Rs 10,000 crore with prominent pharmaceutical companies during the inaugural 'Uttar Pradesh Pharma Conclave 1.0' held in Lucknow. This landmark event, inaugurated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, marks a significant stride in the state's ambitious plan to emerge as a premier pharmaceutical hub in India.
Major Investors and Financial Commitments
The conclave witnessed robust participation from key industry players, with substantial investment pledges that underscore the growing confidence in Uttar Pradesh's pharma ecosystem. The notable commitments include:
- Arna Pharma and Biogenta Life Science each committing Rs 1,250 crore
- Shukra Pharmaceuticals with an investment of Rs 737 crore
- Walter Bushnell Enterprise pledging Rs 590 crore
- Jhanvika Labs committing Rs 553 crore
- Koro Health with Rs 418 crore
- Mark Laboratories at Rs 300 crore
- High Glance Laboratories with Rs 120 crore
- Raspa Pharma and Romsons Medworld each at Rs 100 crore
- Kotak Healthcare also committing Rs 100 crore
CM Yogi Adityanath's Vision and Policy Framework
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assured investors of the state government's unwavering support, emphasizing a business-friendly environment characterized by zero political interference, transparent policies, and timely incentive disbursement. He articulated the 'UP model' as an invitation to "come, invest, produce, and receive incentives on time."
Adityanath highlighted Uttar Pradesh's transformation from a BIMARU state to a revenue-surplus entity, fully equipped to contribute to the national vision of 'Viksit Bharat'. He stated, "The Pharma Conclave is part of our resolution to establish the state as a manufacturing and innovation hub in the pharma sector. We are moving forward with full strength to promote AI, telemedicine, deep tech, med tech, health tech, and clinical research."
Infrastructure and Development Initiatives
The Chief Minister outlined several strategic initiatives to bolster the pharma infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh:
- The upcoming Bulk Drug Pharma Park in Lalitpur, developed on a hub-and-spoke model with advanced R&D facilities.
- Plans to establish a world-class pharma institute in Lucknow during the upcoming budget session in February.
- Development of new pharma parks in Bareilly and other districts to decentralize growth.
Adityanath also emphasized the state's commitment to the rule of law, citing the formation of a Land Mafia Task Force in 2017 that freed 65,000 acres of land, creating a substantial land bank to attract investments. He assured investors of the 'Triple S' guarantee – safety, stability, and speed, positioning UP as a model of trust and timely delivery.
Ease of Doing Business and Economic Growth
The Chief Minister highlighted Uttar Pradesh's top ranking in deregulation and ease of doing business, with criminal provisions removed from 13 state Acts to foster a fear-free industrial environment. MSME sector investors have been granted a 1,000-day exemption from inspections, and processes across various sectors have been streamlined.
Adityanath noted a significant increase in operational factories from nearly 14,000 before 2017 to over 30,000 currently, attributing this growth to the 'double-engine government' working at double speed. The state has received investment proposals worth Rs 50 lakh crore, with Rs 20 lakh crore already at the ground-breaking stage and production underway in several projects.
Enhanced Connectivity and Logistics
Uttar Pradesh's infrastructure advancements were also showcased, with the state accounting for 55% of the country's expressways. Every district headquarters is connected by four-lane roads, complemented by improved rail networks, the highest number of metro services, India's first inland waterway, and a robust airport network. Currently, 16 airports are operational, including four international airports, with the Noida International Airport set to be inaugurated soon by the Prime Minister.
Industry Leaders and Union Minister's Endorsement
The conclave was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who holds the Medical and Health portfolio, along with industry stalwarts such as Sun Pharma chairman Dilip Shanghvi, Zydus Lifesciences chairman Pankaj Patel, Mankind Pharma chairman Ramesh Juneja, Dr Reddy's Laboratories chairman Satish Reddy, Torrent Pharma vice chairman Jinal Mehta, and MSN Labs chairman MNS Reddy.
In a video message, Union Health Minister JP Nadda praised Uttar Pradesh's emergence as a key state strengthening India's global leadership in pharma and healthcare. He stated, "Under PM Narendra Modi's leadership, UP's role is decisive in India's transition towards an entrepreneurship- and innovation-driven economy. The Bulk Drug Pharma Park in Lalitpur, the Medical Device Park in the Yamuna Expressway region, and the State Pharmaceutical Policy-2023 are positioning UP as a reliable manufacturing hub." Nadda added that the policy vision of the Centre and the ground-level efforts of the UP government are propelling the state towards becoming a global center for pharma and biopharma manufacturing.
