New Delhi, August 27: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has highlighted India’s progress in healthcare, pharmaceutical manufacturing, technology and innovation, saying the country has demonstrated its ability to develop indigenous solutions and strengthen its global role.
Addressing an event, Shah said India’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic reflected cooperation between citizens and governments at both the central and state levels. He said the experience demonstrated the country’s capacity to mobilise resources and respond collectively during a major crisis.
Shah also highlighted the role of young Indians in technological innovation, citing the development of privately built satellites and the rapid expansion of startups. He urged the country’s youth to shed any sense of inferiority and develop greater confidence in India’s scientific and entrepreneurial capabilities.
Discussing India’s economic transformation, the minister said the country has moved beyond the challenges associated with the period around 2014 by changing policies, regulations and administrative approaches. He said these changes have helped strengthen India’s position as a manufacturing destination.
Shah also pointed to improvements in sanitation and access to drinking water. He said the expansion of household toilets and piped-water connections has contributed to better living conditions and can play an important role in preventing diseases.On healthcare, the minister highlighted the Ayushman Bharat programme, under which eligible beneficiaries can receive health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh.
He said the government has adopted a broader approach covering patient care, healthcare infrastructure, medicines, research and development, and medical manufacturing.The minister said India must strengthen its pharmaceutical sector so that the country becomes not only self-reliant in medicines but also a major supplier to international markets.
He referred to initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, Bulk Drug Parks and Medical Device Parks, which are aimed at expanding domestic production of critical pharmaceutical ingredients, starting materials and medical equipment.
Shah said these measures are intended to reduce dependence on imports and establish a competitive pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem in India. He also cited India’s experience during the pandemic, when domestic production of protective equipment and vaccines expanded rapidly.The minister stressed that research and innovation would be crucial to India’s future growth.
He called for greater support for researchers, students and professionals and highlighted government programmes aimed at encouraging research in pharmaceuticals and medical technology.
He said India is also working to expand domestic production of medical equipment, including ventilators and other devices, as part of efforts to build a stronger and more self-reliant healthcare manufacturing sector.
Shah’s remarks centred on the broader objective of building an Atmanirbhar Bharat, with greater emphasis on domestic innovation, manufacturing, research and technological capabilities while strengthening India’s contribution to global markets.
