Which key focus areas are highlighted in the National Policy on Research and Development and Innovation in the Pharma-MedTech Sector?

The Union Cabinet has given the green light to the National Policy on Research and Development and Innovation in the Pharma-MedTech Sector. This decision is accompanied by the approval of the Scheme for Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech Sector (PRIP), with a substantial allocation of Rs 5,000 crore for a five-year period spanning from FY24 to FY28. The scheme was rolled out earlier this month by the government with the belief that the Indian pharmaceutical industry has the potential to increase its current 3.4 per cent share of the global market to 5 per cent by the year 2030. The National Policy focuses on three key areas: strengthening the regulatory framework, incentivising investment in innovation, and enabling an ecosystem for innovation and research. The policy aims to accelerate drug discovery and development, foster collaboration between industry and academia, and streamline existing policies to optimise research resources. The PRIP scheme, with an allocation of Rs 5,000 crore, focuses on two components: the establishment of Centres of Excellence (CoEs) within existing institutions to strengthen research infrastructure, and promotion of research in priority areas. The scheme is set to stimulate collaboration between pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and start-ups.