At a major academic ceremony in Gujarat, a leading scientist issued a crucial call for transformation to India's massive pharmaceutical sector. The industry must fundamentally change its approach to remain a key player on the world stage.
A Strategic Pivot from Volume to Value
Professor G D Yadav, the former Vice-Chancellor of the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) and a respected Padmashri awardee, delivered this urgent message. He served as the chief guest for the 12th convocation of the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ahmedabad (NIPER-A). Addressing the new graduates, Prof. Yadav stressed that the traditional model of producing high volumes of generic drugs is no longer sufficient for long-term global competitiveness.
He emphasized that the future lies in becoming a hub for value-driven innovation. This strategic shift requires a sharp focus on pioneering novel drug discovery, developing complex biosimilars, and leveraging artificial intelligence in the research and development process. "India must strengthen its capabilities in advanced drug delivery systems to lead the market," he stated, outlining a clear path forward.
NIPER-A Celebrates Graduates and Major Institutional Growth
The convocation event, held in Gandhinagar on Saturday, was a celebration of academic achievement. A total of 211 students received their degrees, including 16 who were awarded PhDs, marking a significant contribution of skilled professionals to the pharma and research ecosystem.
Alongside the graduations, the institute showcased its expanding role in fostering innovation. NIPER-A director, Shailendra Saraf, announced a significant boost for its research infrastructure. The institute's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in medical devices has been granted a substantial government fund of Rs 100 crore.
Investing in the Future of Med-Tech
Director Saraf explained that this major investment will be used to create critical facilities and programs. The centre will provide essential testing services, short-term certificate courses, and specialized training programs. These initiatives are designed to meet the growing regulatory and skill development needs of the booming medical device industry in India.
He further highlighted other key projects at NIPER-A that are poised to accelerate innovation:
- The Biopharma Incubator Centre, which will support startups and early-stage research.
- A NABL-accredited medical device testing centre, ensuring international standards for quality and safety.
These facilities, Saraf noted, are crucial for bridging the gap between laboratory research and real-world medical applications, promoting translational research that can directly benefit patients.
The convocation served as both a milestone for students and a platform for a vital industry directive. The combined message from academia and leadership underscores a collective move towards positioning India not just as the 'pharmacy of the world' for generics, but as a leading force in the next generation of pharmaceutical and medical technology innovation.
