The Odisha government is making significant strides toward establishing the state as a pharmaceutical powerhouse in eastern India.
As part of its efforts, the government is preparing to launch the Odisha Pharmaceutical Policy 2025. Before the policy’s release, the state will host a Pharma Industry CEOs’ conclave in Bhubaneswar in the next three months.
Pharma Industry CEOs’ Conclave in Bhubaneswar
The conclave, organized by the Department of Drugs Control, aims to bring together top pharmaceutical executives from across the country.
The department is currently outlining a plan of action for the event, ensuring that all leading pharmaceutical company captains are invited.
Formation of the Odisha Pharmaceutical Development Cell (OPDC)
In line with the vision outlined by the Chief Minister, the state will form the Odisha Pharmaceutical Development Cell (OPDC).
The initiative will be led by Mamina Patnaik, the state’s drug controller, who has been appointed as the nodal officer for the OPDC.
According to Patnaik, the OPDC will begin operations soon after the Make-in-Odisha Conclave 2025, scheduled for the 28th and 29th of this month. The cell will play a key role in organizing the pharma conclave.
Collaboration with Pharmaceutical Associations
Chandan Giri, coordinator of the OPDC and a drug control officer in the DCA, emphasized that the OPDC would be the central agency coordinating the event. Giri has compiled a list of CEOs to invite from pharmaceutical companies across India and abroad.
The government is collaborating with leading pharmaceutical associations, including those representing formulation companies and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), to support the OPDC’s initiatives.
Additionally, the government will involve office-bearers of these associations in discussions about developing a pharmaceutical park in a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Odisha.
Addressing the Gap in Pharmaceutical Industries
Despite the state’s current limited presence in the pharmaceutical sector, with only a few micro and small units, the government is determined to solve this challenge.
Giri shared that within three years, Odisha will become a significant player in India’s pharmaceutical industry. The pharma policy 2025 aims to address the lack of pharmaceutical industries by creating a conducive environment for growth.
Establishing a Pharma Park in Odisha
To make Odisha an attractive destination for pharmaceutical businesses, the state plans to set up a pharma park within a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
Companies from neighbouring states like West Bengal, Telangana, and Bihar have already shown interest in establishing units in Odisha.
The government will ensure all necessary facilities are in place to support these ventures and materialize the vision of making the state a pharma hub.
Strengthening Infrastructure and Facilities
Mamina Patnaik highlighted that the central government has already set up a Central Drug Testing Laboratory (CDTL) in Odisha, with plans to open a sub-zonal office of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in Bhubaneswar soon.
The move will further strengthen the state’s infrastructure and enhance its appeal as a pharmaceutical hub.
Impact on Employment and Economic Development
Dr. Rejat Kumar Kar, president of the Odisha Pharmacy Intellectual Forum (OPIF), expressed that the government’s initiative will have a positive impact on job creation.
With over 50 institutions offering pharmacy education, the pharmaceutical hub will create numerous employment opportunities for graduates and foster entrepreneurship.
According to Kar, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Balasore are being considered as potential locations for the pharma park.
Call for Special Focus on Pharmaceutical Development
In June of last year, under Kar’s leadership, OPIF submitted a series of demands to the Chief Minister.
These included a request for a special focus on pharmaceutical development and creating more job opportunities for pharmacy graduates.
As reported by pharmabiz.com, with the government’s strategic initiatives, Odisha is on the path to becoming a major pharmaceutical player, benefiting both the economy and the workforce.