The Central government has allocated Rs 700 crore to establish centers of excellence at the National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER) over the next five years to enhance pharmaceutical and medical technology in the country. A sum of Rs 243 crore has been approved for 2024-25.
There are seven NIPERs across seven states in India, focusing on various research areas such as medical device manufacturing, bulk drug R&D, phytopharmaceuticals, biological therapeutics, and antiviral and antibacterial drug discovery and development.
Former health minister Mansukh Mandaviya mentioned the approval of the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech sector (PRIP) scheme with a budget of Rs 5,000 crore for five years starting from 2023-24 to 2027-28.
Additionally, a Parliamentary Panel in 2023 recommended increased funding for initiatives like establishing the National Institute of Medical Devices Education and Research (NIMERs) and the Indian Council of Research & Development and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech Sector (ICPMR). The Department of Pharmaceuticals requested Rs 1,286 crore for FY24, with Rs 560 crore designated for NIPERs and the remainder for new initiatives under the NIPER scheme. This includes funds for NIMERs, Centers of Excellence, ICPMR, and the Promotion of Research & Innovation in Pharmaceutical Sector.
Media reports suggest a production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for domestic production of Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs is expected in India by 2026, crucial due to the increasing prevalence of diabetes and obesity in the Indian population.
