In a significant step towards pharmaceutical self-reliance, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has successfully developed indigenous technology to produce Paracetamol, one of the most widely used pain relievers and fever reducers. The announcement was made during the 40th Foundation Day celebration of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi.
The development aims to reduce India’s dependency on imports for essential raw materials required for Paracetamol production. Karnataka-based Satya Deeptha Pharmaceuticals Ltd. will utilize this breakthrough technology to manufacture affordable Paracetamol domestically. This aligns with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to achieve self-reliance in critical sectors.
Advancements in Indigenous Drug Development
Highlighting other milestones, Dr. Singh mentioned the recent development of Nafithromycin, India’s first indigenously developed antibiotic, designed to treat both typical and atypical drug-resistant bacteria. Additionally, he referred to the success of India’s first-ever gene therapy trial for Haemophilia, marking another leap in India’s healthcare innovation.
Technology Transfers and Collaborations
The DSIR event also marked the transfer of 16 advanced technologies from CSIR to MSME units under the 100 Days, 100 Technologies campaign of Laghu Udyog Bharati. So far, 57 technologies have been successfully transferred under this initiative. Technologies from CSIR-CSIO Chennai focused on IoT-enabled industrial instruments, while CSIR-CEERI Pilani contributed innovations in healthcare and societal applications.
A Vision for the Future
Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of collaboration between government and non-government sectors to drive innovation. He highlighted initiatives such as One Week, One Lab (OWOL) and One Week, One Theme (OWOT), which focus on fostering innovation across research institutions.
Additionally, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, DSIR, and DG, CSIR, reiterated the importance of long-term strategic goals under the Guwahati Science Declaration, aimed at positioning India as a global economic hub by 2047.
Economic and Technological Impact
Dr. Singh noted that these developments are not only technological achievements but also economic catalysts, driving job creation, industrial growth, and innovation. He called for exploring non-government funding to fuel research initiatives, underscoring the Anusandhan NRF initiative, where 60% of funds will come from non-government sources.
The indigenous production of Paracetamol and ongoing technological advancements mark a significant milestone in India’s journey towards pharmaceutical and scientific self-sufficiency. With initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat driving the nation’s growth, India is well on its way to becoming a global leader in healthcare innovation and technology.
