**Executive Summary**
On March 21, 2026, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh addressed a Healthcare Summit, highlighting India’s transition from an import-dependent system to a self-reliant, global pharmaceutical and MedTech hub. The address focused on the "Made in India" and "Quality" themes, aiming to increase India's 1.5% share of the global medical device market. Key drivers include the Rs 5,000 crore PRIP scheme and the National Medical Device Policy 2023 to foster high-value innovation and economic growth.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Strategic National Shift**
* Transitioning from low-cost manufacturing to high-value innovation in pharmaceuticals and medical technology.
* Moving from heavy reliance on imported medical devices and advanced drugs to indigenous development of antibiotics, vaccines, and therapies.
* Strengthening the "Made in India" brand by aligning homegrown products with international quality benchmarks and regulatory standards.
**Policy and Financial Frameworks**
* **PRIP Scheme:** Implementation of the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech (PRIP) scheme with a Rs 5,000 crore outlay.
* **National Medical Device Policy 2023:** A strategic framework aimed at expanding India’s global market share and reducing import dependence.
* **Infrastructure Support:** Provision of government funding for common infrastructure, testing facilities, and R&D clusters to reduce costs.
**Research and Innovation Ecosystem**
* **Anusandhan National Research Foundation:** Strengthening the link between laboratory research and clinical applications.
* **MedTech Mitra:** A platform designed to assist innovators in navigating regulatory pathways and accessing clinical trial networks.
* **Medical Advancements:** Successful trials in gene therapy for haemophilia and treatments for sickle cell anaemia, alongside the production of indigenous stents and ventilators.
**Collaborative Model**
* Institutionalizing synergy between industry, academia, and government across biotechnology, space, and healthcare sectors.
* Increasing private sector participation to position India as a preferred global destination for affordable healthcare solutions.
**Impact Analysis**
**Healthcare and MedTech Manufacturers**
**Impact:**
Companies gain access to streamlined regulatory approval mechanisms, improved testing infrastructure, and financial incentives through the PRIP scheme.
**Action Required:**
Manufacturers must align their production processes with global quality standards and shift focus toward indigenous innovation and high-value medical devices.
**Research Institutions and Academia**
**Impact:**
Increased opportunities for interdisciplinary research and better integration of laboratory findings into clinical practice through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation.
**Action Required:**
Academic institutions need to formalize collaborations with industry and government bodies to drive commercially viable healthcare research.
**Government and Regulatory Bodies**
**Impact:**
Enhanced responsibility to maintain international regulatory alignment and manage platforms like MedTech Mitra to support the startup ecosystem.
**Action Required:**
Regulatory agencies must continue streamlining approval processes and implementing the National Medical Device Policy 2023 to boost exports.
Key Entities Referenced
National Medical Device Policy 2023: A strategic policy framework aimed at increasing India's share in the global medical device market and transforming the country into a global manufacturing hub.
Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech (PRIP) scheme: An initiative with a ₹5,000 crore outlay focused on transitioning India from low-cost manufacturing to high-value innovation in the pharmaceutical and medtech sectors.
Anusandhan National Research Foundation: A key research body intended to strengthen the healthcare research ecosystem by bridging the gap between laboratories and clinical applications.
MedTech Mitra: A platform designed to assist innovators in navigating regulatory pathways and efficiently accessing clinical trial networks within the healthcare sector.
Ministry of Science & Technology
India Emerging as a Robust Pharma Economy,
Set to Drive Future Growth and Strengthen GDP
Contribution: Dr. Jitendra Singh
India’s Pharma & MedTech Boom Signals Shift from Import
Dependence to Self-Reliant Healthcare Growth: Dr. Jitendra
Singh
India Advancing as Global Hub for Affordable and Quality
Healthcare Solutions, says Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh
Decade of Transformation and Government Push Position
India as a Global Healthcare Leader: Dr. Jitendra Singh
Posted On: 21 MAR 2026 3:56PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO,
Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that India is
steadily evolving into a robust pharma economy, which will not only accelerate future growth but also
emerge as a significant contributor to the country’s overall GDP.
The minister emphasised that the growing strength of India’s pharmaceutical, medtech and manufacturing
ecosystem is positioning the country as a key global manufacturing hub, particularly in high-quality,
affordable healthcare solutions.
Delivering keynote address to a distinguished gathering at the "Healthcare Summit" organised by a
leading English media house here, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the discussions revolved around two central
themes- “Made in India” and “Quality”. He highlighted that India’s healthcare and medtech ecosystem is
undergoing a major shift, with a strong focus on global quality benchmarks, indigenous innovation, and
integration of research with industry.
The Minister said that over the past decade, India has witnessed a remarkable transformation in healthcare,
moving from a largely import-dependent system to one driven by indigenous capabilities. He recalled that
earlier, critical medical devices, implants, and even advanced drugs were largely sourced from abroad,
making treatment expensive and inaccessible for many. Today, India is developing its own antibiotics,
vaccines, and advanced therapies, marking a decisive shift towards self-reliance.
Dr Jitendra Singh referred to the development of indigenous antibiotics and the rapid progress made
during the COVID-19 pandemic, when India not only developed its own vaccines but also supplied them
to several countries, reinforcing its role as a global healthcare partner. He said this transition reflects
India’s growing credibility in both therapeutic and preventive healthcare.The Minister also spoke about the emergence of cutting-edge technologies in India’s healthcare
ecosystem, including gene therapy, with successful trials in conditions like haemophilia, as well as
innovations in treatment for diseases such as sickle cell anaemia. He added that Indian institutions are now
contributing to globally recognised research, with publications in leading international medical journals.
Highlighting the government’s push for quality standards, he said that “homegrown” products in India
now match global benchmarks, with regulatory systems aligned to international standards. Through
streamlined approval mechanisms and strengthened regulatory frameworks, indigenous medical devices
such as stents, ventilators and diagnostic equipment are ensuring safety, efficacy, and affordability.
On the policy front, the Minister referred to initiatives like the Promotion of Research and Innovation in
Pharma-MedTech (PRIP) scheme with an outlay of Rs 5,000 crore, aimed at transitioning India from low-
cost manufacturing to high-value innovation. He also mentioned targeted support for the medical devices
sector, including funding for common infrastructure, testing facilities and R&D clusters, which are
reducing costs and enhancing competitiveness.
The Minister further said that initiatives like the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and the Maha
MedTech Mission are strengthening the research ecosystem by connecting laboratories with clinical
applications. The MedTech Mitra platform is enabling innovators to navigate regulatory pathways and
access clinical trial networks more efficiently.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said that India currently holds around 1.5 per cent of the global medical device market
but is working towards significantly expanding its share under the National Medical Device Policy 2023.
He added that India aims to become one of the top global manufacturing hubs in this sector, reducing
import dependence while boosting exports.
The Minister also highlighted the growing synergy between public and private sectors, stating that
collaboration between industry, academia and government institutions has been institutionalised across
sectors such as biotechnology, space, and healthcare. This integrated approach, he said, is essential in an
era where scientific advancements are increasingly interdisciplinary.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said that with strong policy support, increased private sector participation and a focus
on innovation-driven manufacturing, India is well on its way to becoming a preferred global destination
for affordable, high-quality healthcare solutions, while also strengthening its position in the global
bioeconomy and contributing significantly to national economic growth.*****
AK/AV
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