The Union Cabinet has greenlit the Promotion of Research & Innovation in Pharma-MedTech sector (PRIP) scheme, allocating ₹5,000 crore over five years. Designed to shift from cost-based to innovation-driven growth, PRIP aims to strengthen research infrastructure and foster industry-academia collaboration in priority areas. Six key domains are targeted, including new chemical entities, precision medicines, and medical devices with AI. The scheme encompasses Centres of Excellence in National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs), government partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, and support for high-potential research projects and startups. An Empowered Committee led by NITI Aayog will guide its execution.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- PRIP Scheme: A ₹5,000 crore initiative for five years to drive innovation and research in the Indian Pharma-MedTech sector, with a focus on various domains.
- Industry-Academia Linkage: Collaboration between industries and academic institutions to encourage research and development in priority areas.
- Centres of Excellence (CoE): Specialized research facilities established in National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) for promoting cutting-edge research.
- Precision Medicines: Medical treatments tailored to individual patient characteristics, including gene therapy and stem cell-based therapies.
- Empowered Committee: A decision-making body, headed by NITI Aayog’s CEO and comprising representatives from various government bodies, responsible for overseeing PRIP’s implementation.