Health Ministry launches PRIP scheme for pharma and medical devices sector

New Delhi: The Health Ministry has launched the National Policy on Research and Development and Innovation in the Pharma-MedTech Sector in India. It also launched a PRIP scheme for promotion of Research and Innovation in the sector. Dr Mansukh Mandaviya Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers and Minister of Health & Family Welfare Dr V. K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, S Aparna, Secretary (Pharma), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers and Dr Rajiv Bahl, Director General, ICMR were present at the launch.

The scheme will focus on transforming India into a high-volume, high-value player in the global market of pharma, meeting the quality, accessibility, and affordability goals. Emphasising on the importance of the PRIP scheme, Dr Mandaviya said, “India can only achieve self-reliance in pharmaceuticals and medical devices by strengthening its research and development infrastructure that would drive the expansion of access to life-saving medicines and drugs and help India become a global pharmaceuticals and medical exports hub.”

1. As per the Allocation of Business Rules, the Department of Pharmaceuticals has been assigned the work related to promotion and co-ordination of basic, applied and other research in areas related to the pharma sector. It will also handle education and training including high end research. International co-operation in pharmaceutical research, inter- sectoral coordination and all matters relating to National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) will also come under its purview.

2. The Indian pharma industry is the 3rd largest pharma industry in the world by volume with a current market size of around $50 billions. The industry could potentially grow to $120-130 billion over the next decade with more presence in the innovation space.

3. The Department had constituted a High level Inter- departmental Committee to draft and finalise Policy on R&D and Innovation including academia-industry linkage in Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices. The Committee consisted of senior representatives of ministries/ department and industry leaders and it submitted its report in September, 2020.

4. Based on recommendations made in the Report, Draft ‘Policy to Catalyse R&D and Innovation in the Pharma MedTech Sector in India’ has been prepared to encourage R&D in pharmaceuticals and medical devices. The aim is also to create an ecosystem for innovation in the sector i for India to become leader in drug discovery and innovative medical devices through incubating an entrepreneurial environment.

5. The policy proposes to set up an Indian Council of Pharmaceuticals and Med-tech Research and Development to facilitate and promote collaboration among industry, academia and research institutions across Departments. This will promote domestic and international collaboration in R&D in Pharma Med-tech sectors.

6. The policy will lead to higher contribution in the GDP of the $5 Trillion economy as well as increased exports and forex inflow and subsequently increase in global market share. There will be an increased drug security and availability; improvement of overall healthcare index and reduced disease burden; creation of high-end jobs in R&D and Innovation and opportunity to attract back Indian talent with expertise in R&D and Innovation.

The scheme has two components-

Component A: Strengthening the research infrastructure by establishment of 7 CoEs at NIPERs. These Centers of Excellences would be set up in pre identified areas with a financial outlay of Rs 700 crores.

Component B: Promoting research in pharmaceutical sector by encouraging research in six priority areas like New Chemical Entities, Complex generics including biosimilars, medical devices, stem cell therapy, orphan drugs, Anti-microbial resistance etc., wherein financial assistance will be provided for the Industries, MSME, SME, Startups working with government institutes and for both in- house and academic research. The component has a financial outlay of Rs 4250 crores.

Benefits of the scheme

1. Development of research infrastructure- The scheme would help in building a world class research atmosphere at NIPERs and other institutes and help in creating a talent pool of qualified trained students.

2. This scheme will promote industry-academia linkages by promoting collaboration between private sector and government institutes.

3. Focus on certain priority areas which will help India’s pharma industry leapfrog and radically strengthen its position in the world market as innovation accounts for 2/3rd of global pharma opportunities.

4. The scheme would help in launching commercially viable products which will accelerate the growth of the Indian pharma sector by increasing revenue and creating employment opportunities.

5. The scheme would help in the development of affordable, accessible solutions for primary areas of health concern thus reducing health care burden.