New Delhi: PharmaMed 2026, the 9th edition of the flagship pharmaceutical conference, commenced on a high note in the national capital, positioning India as a global pharma powerhouse while advancing the vision of healthcare equity.
Organized by the PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI) in collaboration with the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India, PharmaMed 2026 is centered around the theme “Healthcare Equity: Reaching Every Citizen of Viksit Bharat.”
The inaugural session of PharmaMed 2026 brought together senior policymakers, global regulators, industry leaders, and domain experts to deliberate on strengthening India’s pharmaceutical ecosystem and driving inclusive healthcare outcomes.
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Highlighting the importance of affordability in healthcare, Dr. Vinod K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, emphasized the critical role of the pharmaceutical sector.
He said, “Medicines account for a significant share of out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, making the pharmaceutical industry central to equity and financial protection.”
Underscoring the role of Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI), Dr. Paul added, “India has the talent, scale, and scientific capability. If they are aligned with strong RDI, India will not just participate in global pharma, but will lead it. The Ayushman Bharat initiative is transforming 1,80,000 health centres, providing 105–172 essential medicines free at primary levels, a powerful step toward universal health coverage.” These discussions at PharmaMed 2026 reinforced the importance of innovation-led growth in achieving healthcare equity.
Addressing the gathering at PharmaMed 2026, Satyaprakash T. L., Joint Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, highlighted the sector’s transformation and future roadmap.
He noted that the Union Budget 2026–27 prioritizes the development of biological ecosystems and faster research-to-market transitions.
He said, “India’s plan to establish 1,000 clinical trial sites will significantly enhance efficiency and reduce costs, while strengthening our innovation ecosystem.”
He further emphasized reducing dependence on imported bulk drugs through indigenous enzymatic engineering and leveraging India’s vast network of over 8,000 STEM institutions and 300,000 researchers.
Stating a forward-looking vision, he remarked, “From complexity to code: biology is the new technology… the worst is behind us and the best has just begun.” Such insights at PharmaMed 2026 highlighted India’s ambition to lead the next wave of pharmaceutical innovation.
Earlier, Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI, stressed the need for equitable healthcare access. He said, “True progress toward Viksit Bharat demands not just economic growth, but a healthy India where healthcare is accessible and affordable for all.” He added that bridging healthcare gaps requires collective efforts from policymakers, industry, and society—an agenda strongly echoed at PharmaMed 2026.
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Providing an industry perspective at PharmaMed 2026, Abhay Kumar Srivastava, Senior President – Global Operations, Mankind Pharma and Chair, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Committee, PHDCCI, emphasized a strategic shift.
He stated, “India’s pharmaceutical sector must shift from volume-driven to value-driven growth, while ensuring affordability. Backward integration is essential for supply chain resilience and national security.” He also highlighted the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in navigating global uncertainties.
Reinforcing global cooperation, Shri Gregory Smith, Country Director, India Office, US FDA, noted India’s growing prominence in global pharmaceutical supply chains. He said, “India hosts over 600 FDA-registered manufacturing facilities, reflecting its vital role in global supply chains.”
He added that strengthening quality systems and regulatory alignment remains critical to ensuring patient safety worldwide – an area of focus at PharmaMed 2026.
Sharing regulatory insights, Dr. A. Visala, Joint Drug Controller, CDSCO, emphasized sustainability and innovation. She said, “India is emerging as a hub for sustainable pharmaceutical innovation, supported by progressive regulations and advancements in areas like cell and gene therapies.”
Key Theme at PharmaMed 2026: Need to Reduce Reliance on Imported APIs and Promote Green Chemistry Practices
The inaugural session of PharmaMed 2026 focused on strengthening supply chain resilience, promoting self-reliance in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and Key Starting Materials (KSMs), fostering innovation, and advancing public-private partnerships.
As a leading industry body, PHDCCI continues to play a pivotal role in facilitating industry dialogue, policy advocacy, and economic growth.
Meanwhile, the Department of Pharmaceuticals is actively supporting the pharma and medtech sectors through policy interventions, infrastructure development, and industry-academia partnerships aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 – an ambition strongly reflected throughout PharmaMed 2026.
