Government hosts Industry Dialogue on PRIP scheme to boost Pharma-Medtech innovation
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu: Assistant Chief Editor
Mumbai: The Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India, organized an Industry Dialogue in Mumbai to promote the Promotion of Research and Innovation in the Pharma-MedTech Sector (PRIP) Scheme. The event brought together industry leaders, associations, and research institutions to discuss strategies for fostering innovation, strengthening industry-academia collaboration, and leveraging government initiatives for R&D growth in the pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors.
PRIP scheme and government initiatives for innovation
The discussion highlighted key government initiatives such as:
ICMR’s PATENT MITRA, MEDTECH MITRA, and INTENT programs – supporting patent filing, innovation, and clinical trials.
CSIR’s Innovation Complex in Mumbai – connecting research institutions with the industry to accelerate translational research.
Industry leaders emphasize research-led growth
Industry representatives praised the government’s efforts and shared insights on R&D challenges and opportunities:
Dr. Sharvil Patel, Vice President, IPA, emphasized the need for regulatory support and investment in emerging pharmaceutical technologies. Anil Matai, Director General, OPPI, called for a conducive policy environment to encourage industry-led innovation. Bharat Shah, National President, IDMA, highlighted MSME challenges in adopting research-driven strategies. Veeraal Gandhi, Vice President, ADMI, spoke on India’s potential to lead in diagnostic innovations for advanced healthcare solutions.
Government’s vision for pharma-medtech innovation
Amit Agrawal, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, stressed that data-driven markets and futuristic products will shape India’s leadership in pharmaceuticals and medical technology. He noted that India’s diverse gene pool gives it a unique edge in developing personalized medicines and emphasized the PRIP Scheme’s role in fostering affordable healthcare solutions for both domestic and global markets.
Stakeholder feedback and future roadmap
In breakout sessions, stakeholders provided valuable feedback on regulatory streamlining, funding opportunities and scaling up R&D efforts.
Industry representatives were encouraged to submit project details via an Expression of Interest (EoI) on the Department of Pharmaceuticals website, open until April 7, 2025. This will help refine the PRIP Scheme’s implementation strategy to align with industry needs.
Commitment to innovation-driven future
The Industry Dialogue concluded positively, with participants reaffirming their commitment to building a collaborative and innovation-driven ecosystem in India’s Pharma-Medtech sector.
