Latest news with #VaccineMaitri
Hindustan Times
24-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Indian pharma will be key to countering the next pandemic
India is uniquely positioned to lead the global response to health threats, provided timely investments are made in its pharmaceutical capabilities. The country's ability to produce affordable medicines at scale, coupled with its untapped potential for innovation, positions it to evolve beyond its role as the pharmacy to the world and into an innovation hub. Such a transformation can address the unmet needs of the Global South, which often lacks access to life-saving solutions like vaccines. India's pharmaceutical sector demonstrated unmatched agility during the Covid-19 pandemic. Producing over 60% of the global vaccine supply, including Covaxin and Covishield, India exported essential drugs and vaccines to more than 150 countries. According to the ministry of commerce, pharmaceutical exports surged to $24.62 billion in 2021–22, largely driven by pandemic-related supplies. Over 50% of Africa's generics, nearly 47% of the US's generic demand, and approximately 25% of the UK's medicine needs are met by Indian pharma, per the ministry of chemicals and fertilisers. Initiatives like Vaccine Maitri further highlighted India's commitment to health equity, supplying over 100 million vaccine doses to low- and middle-income countries. These efforts underscore the sector's potential to become an innovation hub capable of addressing global health challenges. While India's role as the pharmacy of the world is well-established, its next frontier lies in becoming a hub for pharmaceutical innovation. Fragmented ecosystems and insufficient research and development (R&D) investment have hindered progress. However, the pandemic revealed the sector's latent potential when supported by targeted policies and public-private collaborations. For instance, Covaxin's development exemplified how partnerships can spur innovation. The development of mRNA vaccines during the pandemic—hailed as rapid breakthroughs—was the result of decades of sustained investment and collaboration between governments, industry, and academia. India must adopt a similar model by fostering an ecosystem that integrates government support, private sector ingenuity, and academic excellence. Innovation thrives in robust ecosystems, not in isolation. The pandemic exposed the risks of over-reliance on a single source for drug raw materials, leading to shortages. Recognising this, India has launched initiatives like the Make in India programme for bulk drug production and established dedicated Bulk Drug Parks with state-of-the-art infrastructure. These parks aim to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and rebuild end-to-end drug manufacturing capabilities. The $2 billion Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme further boosts domestic production of key starting materials (KSMs) and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). To maximise these initiatives, industry players must proactively invest in technology, upskill their workforce, and collaborate with academia and global counterparts. Effective execution could make India self-reliant in critical drug manufacturing within five years and position it as a viable alternative source for drug raw materials globally. India's pharmaceutical sector stands at a critical juncture. The achievements of the past—rooted in perseverance, innovation, and excellence—provide a strong foundation for a future where India leads not just in drug manufacturing but also in drug discovery. The decisions made today will determine whether we are prepared to meet tomorrow's health challenges. With coordinated efforts between the government and the industry, and a global vision, India can build an innovation-driven pharmaceutical sector. This sector would not only address domestic needs but also offer groundbreaking solutions to the world, ensuring readiness for the next health crisis. This article is authored by Anil Agrawal, former Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha.
India Today
01-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Shashi Tharoor receives PM at Thiruvananthapuram, says managed to land in time
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday said he "managed to land in time" to receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will commission the Vizhinjam International Seaport today. In a post on X, the four-time Thiruvananthapuram MP said he was looking forward to PM Modi commissioning the port, a project which, he said, has been "proudly" involved in since its inception.A photo posted by Tharoor on X showed the Congress MP shaking hands with PM Modi in Thiruvananthapuram while Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan looks on. advertisement"Despite delays at the dysfunctional Delhi airport, I managed to land in Thiruvananthapuram in time to receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his arrival in my constituency. Looking forward to his officially commissioning Vizhinjam port, a project I have been proud to have been involved with since its inception," he said. The development came as Tharoor earlier praised the Narendra Modi-led government's over a number of issues, including the Ukraine war stance and navigating talks with US President Donald PAST PRAISES FOR PM MODIIn March, Tharoor praised the PM Modi-led government for its Vaccine Maitri initiative, which facilitated the distribution of Covid-19 vaccines to several countries. In an article for The Week, the Congress MP highlighted how India leveraged its status as the world's vaccine manufacturing hub, significantly enhancing its soft power on the global the "dark days" of the pandemic, he wrote, India's vaccine diplomacy emerged as a silver lining, reinforcing the country's role in global health diplomacy and its ability to address global Tharoor admitted that he was "left with egg on the face" for opposing India's stance when the Russia-Ukraine war broke out in 2022. He had criticised India's stance when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 and called for condemnation of the former UN diplomat-turned-politician also praised the outcome of PM Modi's meeting with Trump at the White House in February, underlining that several major concerns had been an interview with IE Malayalam podcast in February, Tharoor said he was available for the Congress, but warned he had "options" if the party did not require his services. He, however, refuted rumours of switching parties, saying he did not believe so even if there was a difference in opinions. The podcast interview occurred amid rumours of rifts between him and the Congress's top BJP pounced on Tharoor's remarks to take a dig at the Congress, saying it would leave its MP Rahul Gandhi "red-faced".Trending Reel IN THIS STORY#Shashi Tharoor#Thiruvananthapuram#Narendra Modi#Kerala
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
India led with compassion during COVID-19, sharing 300 million vaccines globally: Piyush Goyal
New Delhi: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal, addressed the World Health Summit (WHS) Regional Meeting Asia 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi today. According to the release, Goyal highlighted India's proactive and compassionate global response during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the Vaccine Maitri initiative , India provided nearly 300 million vaccine doses to less developed and vulnerable countries, many of which were provided free of cost, ensuring that no nation was left behind. Goyal emphasised that, unlike many other nations that imposed export controls during the COVID-19 pandemic, India prioritised equitable access for all, staying true to its ancient ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam -- "the world is one family." Speaking on the occasion, Goyal expressed gratitude that the first WHS Regional Meeting in Asia was focused on "Scaling Access to Ensure Health Equity ". He noted that access to quality healthcare is a critical part of sustainable development and shared India's journey in achieving greater healthcare access for all. The Minister recalled personal interactions with global leaders during the pandemic, noting how India ensured the supply of critical medicines at fair prices, resisting the trend of profit-making from global health crises. Addressing the theme of Health Equity, Goyal strongly criticised attempts to extend pharmaceutical patents through minor incremental innovations, which, he said, could deprive millions of access to affordable medicines. He urged the WHS delegates to experience firsthand India's efforts to deliver quality healthcare even in remote regions. Goyal highlighted that more than 620 million people are now eligible for free healthcare under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the world's largest government-sponsored health insurance program, emphasising that India's commitment was never driven by profit but by compassion. The release also stated. Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi , Goyal said, "For us, healthcare is not just curing a sick patient. Healthcare is preventive healthcare, it is wellness, it is mental healthcare, and it means bridging society under the umbrella of a better lifestyle and a better future." He elaborated on India's holistic approach to human welfare, highlighting the Swachh Bharat Mission which ensures dignity and sanitation, especially for women. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, with over 40 million homes already built and millions more underway; the Jal Jeevan Mission, which has expanded tap water access from 30 million to 160 million rural homes; the Ujjwala Yojana, providing free cooking gas connections to protect women from indoor air pollution; and the distribution of free food grains to 800 million citizens during and beyond the pandemic. Goyal asserted that physical health, mental wellness, clean environments, quality education, digital connectivity, and economic empowerment together form the basis of a truly healthy society. He closed by reaffirming India's commitment to the global health agenda and urged all nations to collaborate towards a healthier, more equitable future for every citizen of the world.
Hans India
27-04-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Healthcare for India means wellness and happiness, not just treatment: Piyush Goyal
New Delhi: For India, healthcare is not just about treating illnesses but about promoting holistic wellness, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Sunday. India's vision of healthcare includes physical fitness, mental well-being, family health, and a happier lifestyle for every citizen, he said. "Even though healthcare does not directly come under my ministry, every citizen and every leader has a shared responsibility to help achieve universal health access, which is also an important Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)," Goyal stated while addressing the World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2025 here. Speaking on the theme "Scaling Access to Ensure Health Equity", Goyal highlighted the country's strong commitment to making healthcare accessible and affordable for all. Reflecting on India's contribution during the Covid-19 pandemic, he recalled the "Vaccine Maitri" initiative, through which India supplied nearly 300 million vaccine doses to countries in need, especially in Africa and other developing regions. 'While many countries prioritised their own needs during the pandemic, India chose to put humanity first by supporting others,' Goyal pointed out. The Union Minister also spoke about India's efforts to maintain the fair distribution of essential medicines like paracetamol and hydroxychloroquine during the pandemic. "The government acted quickly to prevent hoarding and price manipulation, ensuring that medicines remained affordable and available to those who needed them most," he said. Highlighting domestic achievements, Goyal praised the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which today provides free, quality healthcare to more than 62 crore Indians. He called it the world's largest government-funded health assurance program. He said that this scheme represents India's broader approach to healthcare -- one that focuses not just on curing sickness but also on promoting overall wellness. Goyal linked health equity directly to India's development goals. "A healthy population is essential for sustaining India's growth as the world's fastest-growing economy," he stated. With an average age of just 28, India's young population is a major strength that could help the country become a $30–$40 trillion economy by 2047, he added.
