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India must become laboratory of world, not just pharmacy: Anupriya Patel
India must become laboratory of world, not just pharmacy: Anupriya Patel
Union Minister Anupriya Patel said India must evolve from being the 'pharmacy of the world' to the 'laboratory of the world' by using artificial intelligence to discover drugs. Speaking at the Healthcare…
Union Minister Anupriya Patel said India must evolve from being the 'pharmacy of the world' to the 'laboratory of the world' by using artificial intelligence to discover drugs. Speaking at the Healthcare Summit 2026 at IIM Ahmedabad, she said AI can be a force multiplier to overcome regional disparities and bridge the shortage of medical specialists in the country.
Patel said India cannot be satisfied with manufacturing medicines discovered elsewhere. She noted that given India's vast and genetically diverse population, a one-size-fits-all approach is not possible, and AI is required for personalised treatment. She pointed to initiatives such as MadhuNetra AI and the eSanjeevani telemedicine network as examples of AI making an impact.
The minister also said the Rs 5,000 crore PRIP scheme aims to strengthen research by connecting academic institutions with industry, moving from cost-based manufacturing to innovation-led growth. AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Rishikesh and PGIMER Chandigarh have been designated as Centres of Excellence for AI in healthcare. Patel also launched the India Pharma Archives, a digital platform covering 125 years of Indian pharmaceutical history.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The statement signals a policy shift from manufacturing generics to indigenous drug discovery, a sector where India has lagged despite its pharma strength. The Rs 5,000 crore PRIP scheme is the main financial lever. Success depends on how effectively academic institutions like IITs and AIIMS collaborate with industry. The real test will be the number of AI-assisted drug candidates that enter clinical trials in the next five years.
Source: theprint.in
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
