The PRIP Scheme
Context:
Recently, the Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers and Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, unveiled the Scheme for the Promotion of Research and Innovation in the Pharma MedTech Sector (PRIP).
Relevance:
GS-02 (Government Policies & Interventions)
PRIP Scheme:
- AIM: To shift India’s pharmaceutical sector from a cost-centric model to one that revolves around innovation. This transformation hinges on the fortification of research infrastructure within the country.
- Objective: To cultivate collaboration between the pharmaceutical industry and academia to drive research and development (R&D) in priority areas. Additionally, it also aims to nurture a culture of top-notch research and cultivate a pool of skilled scientists in India.
- The scheme is poised with an ambition to bring about sustainable global competitive edge in the field of pharmaceutical sector.
- The PRIP scheme spans over five years. It encompasses the period from 2023-24 to 2027-28, underlining the government’s commitment to driving long-term transformation.
Two core components:
Component A: Strengthening Research Infrastructure
To enhance research infrastructure by establishing seven Centers of Excellence (CoEs) at National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs). These CoEs will be strategically located in predefined areas and receive a financial allocation of Rs. 700 Crores. The intent is to create robust research hubs that can drive innovation in the pharmaceutical and MedTech sectors.
Component B: Promoting Pharmaceutical Research
It seeks to foster research in the pharmaceutical sector. It encourages studies in six priority areas: New Chemical Entities, Complex Generics (including biosimilars), Medical Devices, Stem Cell Therapy, Orphan Drugs, and Anti-Microbial Resistance.
- Financial support will be extended to industries, MSMEs, SMEs, startups collaborating with government institutions, and for both in-house and academic research.
- The financial allocation for this component is a substantial Rs. 4250 Crores, emphasizing the importance of research in these critical areas.
