In a significant development for India's healthcare landscape, Dr VK Paul, a distinguished member of NITI Aayog, has outlined a comprehensive roadmap to transform Uttar Pradesh into a global pharmaceutical hub. Speaking in Lucknow, Dr Paul emphasised the urgent need for the state to establish a dedicated stakeholders' consortium to accelerate growth in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.
Prioritising Future-Focused Sectors for Sustainable Growth
Dr Paul highlighted that Uttar Pradesh must prioritise emerging and high-potential sectors to ensure long-term security and sustainable economic development. He specifically pointed to biologicals, biosimilars, personalised care, and cell and gene therapies as key areas requiring immediate attention. "These sectors will guarantee long-term security and sustainable growth," he asserted, stressing that a coordinated effort from both government and industry is crucial for success.
Proposed Consortium to Unite Key Players
Leveraging the state's existing strengths in research, innovation, and infrastructure, Dr Paul proposed the creation of a UP Pharma, MedTech, Research and Innovation Consortium. This initiative aims to bring together government agencies, industry players, MSMEs, and academic institutions under one umbrella to foster collaboration and drive progress. He urged companies and institutions to actively utilise existing schemes such as PRIPS, MedTech Mitra, and Patent Mitra to spur innovation and strengthen the sector's foundation.
Embracing Technology and Addressing Global Challenges
In addition to structural reforms, Dr Paul emphasised the importance of adopting advanced technologies like artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. He also called for helping MSMEs upgrade to WHO Schedule M standards, ensuring they meet global quality benchmarks. Furthermore, he highlighted pressing global health issues, noting that antimicrobial resistance represents a major pandemic requiring urgent collaborative action from companies and stakeholders worldwide.
This visionary approach underscores Uttar Pradesh's potential to become a leader in the pharmaceutical industry, contributing significantly to India's healthcare advancements and economic growth on the global stage.
