Date: 05/04/2023

Relevance: GS-2: Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.

Key Phrases: Indian pharma sector, Universal Health Care, Primary Health Care, Pharmacy Council of India, Asthana Conference, Berlin Declaration 2017, Alma-Ata Declaration on PHC 1978, Sustainable Development Goal, Affordable and Comprehensive Health Care system.

Context:

• The Indian pharmaceutical industry is the third largest in terms of volume globally.
  • To stay competitive in the VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) world, there is a fundamental need for upskilling and reskilling.

Key Highlights:

• Pharmaceuticals including generic drugs account for about 43.2 percent of out of pocket healthcare expenditure in India according to the CCI study and about 62.7 percent of the total health spending in the country.
• Enforcement and interpretation of quality regulations were not uniform across states and different regulatory and testing capacities had led to different quality standards being followed.
• Despite India’s ever-increasing pool of talented scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs along with its demographic advantage, it will be critical to invest in building an ecosystem for skilling.

Key Areas for Improvement:

• Awareness on Quality Issues :
  • A mechanism may be devised under the aegis of the CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation) to create awareness on quality issues, build capacity, and harmonize training and practices across the country with a view to ensure uniform and consistent application of quality standards.
• Research and innovation :
  • The innovation space accounts for two-thirds of the global market.
  • This requires professionals adept in life sciences skills who are well-versed in research methodologies and who can leverage new technologies such as AI/ML, data analytics etc.
• Regulatory :
  • For the Indian pharma sector to retain the “pharmacy of the world” status, quality control professionals must be equipped to ensure that products meet international standards.
• Digital Technology :
  • Leveraging digital technologies to improve productivity, efficiency and innovation will be critical for the companies.
    • The Life Sciences Sector Skill Development Council organized a VR module for high capex manufacturing roles like Machine Operator and Manufacturing Chemist.
• Competitiveness :
  • There is a need for upskilling/reskilling in sales, marketing and supply chain management and to adopt ESG, green technology, and training employees in cross-functional skills.
  • Effective price competition in generics can benefit consumers and improve access to affordable healthcare.
• Education :
  • The pharmacology curriculum of Indian institutions must be updated frequently to make the students future-ready.
    • In collaboration with the industry, LSSSDC and the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) have developed skilling modules for the B. Pharm curriculum.
    • The LSSSDC aims to upskill around 7500 workers in small and medium enterprises.

Conclusion:

• The online pharmacies should adopt self-regulatory measures in the areas of collection, use, sharing of data and privacy.
  • However, for safeguarding patient privacy and protecting sensitive personal medical data, necessary regulations need to be enforced until the country legislates its data protection law.

Source: The Hindu BL

Mains Question:

Q. “The Indian pharma sector needs a dose of upskilling and reskilling”. Critically examine the statement in the light of needed reforms for the pharma sector of India. (250 Words).