Context:
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers recently launched National Policy on Research and Development and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech Sector in India (NPRDIP) and Scheme for Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma MedTech Sector (PRIP).
About NPRDIP:
- Objectives –
- To enhance rapid drug discovery.
- To incentivise private sector investment in Research and strengthening R&D ecosystem.
- To encourage coordination among existing policies & programmes.
- Key Proposals –
- Proposed 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 etc.
About PRIP scheme:
- Objective – To transform Indian Pharma & MedTech sectors from a cost-based to a value-based & innovation-based industry.
- 2 components –
- Component A: Strengthening the research infrastructure by establishment of 7 Centre of Excellence at National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPERs).
- Component B: Promoting research in pharmaceutical sector by encouraging research in 6 priority areas like New Chemical Entities, Complex generics including biosimilars, medical devices, stem cell therapy, orphan drugs, Anti-microbial resistance etc.
Status of Indian pharmaceutical industry:
- 3rd largest pharmaceutical industry in the world by volume with current market size of around USD 50 Billions.
- India is recognized as a global pharmaceutical hub.
- At present a major component of Indian exports are low value generic drugs.
- A large proportion of the demand for patented drugs is met through imports.
- In India, the bio-pharmaceutical sector has achieved an impressive 5-year Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 50%.
Related Information
- Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) is a voluntary code issued by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers relating to marketing practices for Indian Pharmaceutical Companies and as well medical devices industry.
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
With what purpose is the Government of India promoting the concept of “Mega Food Parks”?
1. To provide good infrastructure facilities for the food processing industry.
2. To increase the processing of perishable items and reduce wastage.
3. To provide emerging and eco-friendly food processing technologies to entrepreneurs.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2011 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
