The 9th edition of PharmaMed 2026, organized by PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI) in collaboration with the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India, commenced on a high note today in New Delhi. Centered around the theme “Healthcare Equity: Reaching Every Citizen of Viksit Bharat,” the inaugural session brought together Senior policymakers, global regulators, eminent industry leaders, and experts setting the stage for meaningful dialogue on strengthening India’s pharmaceutical sector.

Highlighting public health priorities, Dr. Vinod K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, noted the sector’s critical role in healthcare affordability. He said “Medicines account for a significant share of out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, making the pharmaceutical industry central to equity and financial protection,”

Emphasising the role of Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Dr. Paul said  “India has the talent, scale, and scientific capability. If they are aligned with strong RDI, India will not just participate in global pharma, but will lead it. The Ayushman Bharat initiative is transforming 1,80,000 health centres, providing 105–172 essential medicines free at primary levels, a powerful step toward universal health coverage” he added.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Satyaprakash T. L., Joint Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, noted the transformative shift in the pharma sector. Highlighting policy priorities, he said the Union Budget 2026–27 underscores the need for building biological ecosystems and accelerating research-to-market timelines. India’s plan to establish 1,000 clinical trial sites will significantly enhance efficiency and reduce costs, while strengthening our innovation ecosystem. Dependence on imported bulk drugs should be addressed through indigenous enzymatic engineering, and leveraging 8,000+ STEM institutions and 300,000 researchers, he added.

Stating, ”From complexity to code: biology is the new technology” Shri Satya Prakash said the worst is behind us and the best has just begun.

Earlier Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI, stressed the importance of equitable healthcare. True progress toward Viksit Bharat demands not just economic growth, but a healthy India where healthcare is accessible and affordable for all, he said, adding that bridging the healthcare gap requires collective action from policymakers, industry, and society.

Providing industry perspective, Shri Abhay Kumar Srivastava, Senior President- Global Operations, Mankind Pharma and Chair, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Committee, PHDCCI, said “India’s pharmaceutical sector must shift from volume-driven to value-driven growth, while ensuring affordability. Backward integration is essential for supply chain resilience and national security.”  He also underscored that collaboration between stakeholders is critical in navigating global uncertainties.

Speaking at the conference Shri Gregory Smith, Country Director, India Office, US FDA, reaffirmed global collaboration. He said, India hosts over 600 FDA-registered manufacturing facilities, reflecting its vital role in global supply chains. Strengthening quality systems and regulatory alignment remains key to ensuring patient safety worldwide, he noted, highlighting ongoing initiatives to enhance quality management maturity.

Sharing regulatory insights, Dr. A. Visala, Joint Drug Controller, CDSCO, emphasized sustainability and innovation. India is emerging as a hub for sustainable pharmaceutical innovation, supported by progressive regulations and advancements in areas like cell and gene therapies, she said, while stressing the need to reduce dependence on imported APIs and invest in green chemistry.

The inaugural session focussed on key issues including strengthening supply chain resilience, promoting self-reliance in APIs and Key Starting Materials (KSMs), fostering innovation, and advancing public-private partnerships.

As a leading industry body, PHDCCI plays a pivotal role in catalyzing economic growth, facilitating industry dialogue, and supporting policy advocacy across key sectors.

The Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers is supporting the country’s pharmaceutical and medtech sector to drive  innovation and Atma Nirbharta, with focused policy interventions, infrastructure development &  industry-academia partnerships, aligned with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

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