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India's Pharma Revolution: From Global Pharmacy to Innovation Hub

India's pharmaceutical sector is undergoing a major transformation from being the world's pharmacy to becoming a global innovation leader. Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava emphasized the need for greater innovation and value-based production at the OPPI annual summit. The sector has shown remarkable growth with exports nearly doubling over the past decade. New reports highlight emerging opportunities in contract research and global capability centers that position India as a key player in global pharmaceutical innovation.

Key Points: Health Secretary Urges Pharma Innovation Shift at OPPI Summit

  • Health Secretary emphasizes ministry-industry partnerships for better public health outcomes
  • India's pharma exports surged from $15B to $28B in last decade
  • CRDMO market projected to reach $303 billion globally by 2028
  • Global Capability Centers expanding India's pharmaceutical innovation ecosystem
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Need to foster greater innovation in pharma sector: Punya Salila Srivastava

Union Health Secretary calls for pharma sector innovation transition from volume to value-based production, highlighting India's growing global leadership in pharmaceutical research.

"The need is to foster greater innovation in the pharmaceutical sector and transition from volume-based to value-based production - Punya Salila Srivastava"

New Delhi, Nov 20

There is a great need to foster greater innovation in the pharmaceutical sector, said Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava on Thursday.

Delivering the keynote address at the 60th Annual Summit 2025 of the Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) in the national capital, Srivastava highlighted the importance of strong partnerships between ministries and the pharmaceutical industry to enhance public health outcomes and address global health challenges.

"The need is to foster greater innovation in the pharmaceutical sector and transition from volume-based to value-based production," the Health Secretary said.

She urged OPPI to intensify its focus on R&D within India, positioning the country as a global centre of excellence in pharmaceuticals.

The event also witnessed the release of a report that highlights the transformative journey of India's pharmaceutical sector as it evolves from its historical role as the "pharmacy of the world" to a global leader in innovation and scientific research.

The report by EY Parthenon and OPPI stated that the pharmaceutical industry is poised to play a critical role in driving economic growth and enhancing public health. It showed that pharmaceutical exports have surged from $15.07 billion in 2013-14 to $27.85 billion in FY 2023-24, with projections to exceed $30 billion soon.

Further, the report emphasised the emergence of Contract Research and Development Organizations (CRDMOs) and Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) as pivotal players in the pharmaceutical landscape.

While the global CRDMO market is projected to reach $303 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 9.0 per cent, Indian CRDMOs are investing heavily in advanced manufacturing and analytics, positioning themselves as key partners in global research and development.

In addition, the establishment and expansion of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) by multinational pharmaceutical firms in India is becoming critical to enhancing the country's innovation ecosystem, the report said. Approximately 50 per cent of leading global life sciences companies have set up GCCs in India, leveraging local talent and advanced digital capabilities.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The export numbers are impressive - from $15B to nearly $28B in a decade! But we need to ensure that this growth benefits ordinary Indians too. Affordable medicines should remain a priority while we innovate.
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Sarah B
As an expat working in Indian pharma, I'm amazed by the talent pool here. The GCC expansion shows global confidence in Indian capabilities. More R&D investment will definitely pay off long-term.
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Arjun K
While the vision is good, I hope the government provides actual policy support and funding for R&D. Too often such announcements don't translate into ground reality. We need tax incentives and better IP protection.
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Karthik V
The CRDMO and CDMO growth is exciting! This could create so many high-skilled jobs for our youth. India has the potential to become the global innovation hub in pharma if we invest in research infrastructure.
N
Nisha Z
Hope this innovation focus includes developing medicines for diseases common in India and other developing countries. Sometimes global pharma ignores our local health needs. 🩺

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