On this Independence Day, August 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood at the Red Fort and spoke for 103 minutes, marking one of the longest speeches of his career. But what really stood out was his message to India’s pharmaceutical industry. India is often called the “pharmacy of the world” because it makes and supplies cheap generic medicines to many countries. But this time, PM Modi pharma research patents said it is not enough to just make medicines that others have already invented. He stressed the need for more research and development (R&D) and the importance of filing patents for India’s own discoveries. In simple words, he wants India to move from only making medicines to also inventing new medicines—and protecting those inventions with patent filing.
What PM Modi Said on Pharma’s Future
India is often called the pharmacy of the world, mainly because it produces affordable, large-scale medicines and vaccines. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this role was praised across the globe. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it is now time for India to raise its standards and aim to become a true global leader in healthcare innovation. He highlighted that India must focus on building its own patents and work on developing medicines that are low-cost, highly effective, and reliable in times of crisis, with minimal side effects. Modi urged scientists and entrepreneurs to put greater effort into research and innovation, so India can not only meet its own medical needs but also stand out as a world hub for pharmaceutical discoveries.“Why shouldn’t India be at the forefront of delivering the best and most accessible medicines to serve mankind?” he asked, laying out his vision of making India both self-reliant in pharma and a contributor of original breakthroughs to the world.
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The PRIP Scheme: A Push for Innovation
Through the PRIP scheme, with an allocation of ₹5,000 crore, the government aims to transform India’s pharma sector by moving beyond generics and fostering original research and patent-led development. Disbursals are expected to begin by the end of 2025, and the scheme is likely to bring in an additional ₹17,000 crore in private R&D investment. By 2030, patents on 24 global drugs will expire, opening a huge opportunity.
Key Points:
- ₹5,000 crore fund
- Expected to attract ₹17,000 crore private R&D investment.
- Backed by a PRIP online portal and new Centres of Excellence at NIPER institutes.
Why Patents Matter for India’s Pharma Future
Patents are not just pieces of legal paperwork — they are a badge of innovation and ownership. In the world of pharmaceuticals, patents decide who controls new discoveries, who earns from them, and who sets the direction of future treatments. They bring in vital investments, attract global partnerships, and give companies the confidence to take risks in research.
For India, building a strong patent base is the next big step. Without patents, the country risks being seen only as a low-cost manufacturer, supplying medicines developed elsewhere. With patents, however, India can rewrite the rules — shaping the global healthcare market, creating new revenue streams, and securing both economic strength and international recognition as a true leader in medical innovation.
Conclusion
India’s journey from being the pharmacy of the world to becoming a hub of discovery and innovation has already begun. Prime Minister Modi’s call for a stronger focus on research, patents, and original drug development reflects a shift in vision — one where India is not only producing medicines at scale but also creating the cures of tomorrow. With initiatives like the PRIP scheme, growing industry investment, and rising global partnerships, the foundation is being laid for a future where medicines are not just Made in India, but proudly Discovered in India.
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