India Aiming to Become a Global Leader in Preventive Healthcare, Says Jitendra Singh

Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced India's goal to lead in preventive healthcare, emphasising the importance of public-private partnerships for innovation in life sciences during GISICON-2025.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted India's ambition to lead in preventive healthcare globally. He emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships (PPP) in fostering innovation within life sciences. Speaking at the GISICON-2025 conference in Jammu, Singh stated that these collaborations are vital for creating a sustainable research and innovation ecosystem.

Singh praised the organisers for hosting a significant conference in Jammu, noting it as a positive step towards nurturing a research culture in the Union Territory. He remarked, "The demarcation of public and private sectors is a thing of the past. The era of collaboration and joint research is making its way into various sectors, including life sciences."

Public-Private Partnerships in Life Sciences

The minister stressed that adapting to this collaborative approach is crucial for delivering inclusive healthcare services. He pointed out that the private sector has already made significant contributions in areas like space, atomic energy, and earth sciences. Now, it is increasingly involved in medicine, biotechnology, and life sciences.

Singh reflected on India's progress in recent years, stating that the country had awakened from its "slumber" in life sciences research. He noted that India is becoming "future-ready," ensuring it is no longer perceived as a late starter in innovation. "For India to make a mark at the global level, there are two prerequisites: we need to be consistent and we need to make landmark progress in the related fields," he said.

Advancements Under Prime Minister Modi

The minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government with making significant strides in preventive care. He cited India's development of the first COVID-19 vaccine and its distribution under Vaccine Maitri as evidence of the country's growing capabilities. Additionally, he mentioned the Department of Biotechnology's work on an HPV vaccine for cervical cancer prevention.

Singh also highlighted India's achievements such as developing its first indigenous antibiotic, Nafithromycin, and conducting successful gene therapy trials for haemophilia published in the New England Journal of Medicine. These advancements showcase India's potential to lead globally in healthcare innovation.

Future Prospects for Healthcare Innovation

Emphasising the need for stronger PPP collaboration, Singh stated that such partnerships would "help sustain research and sustainably provide an ecosystem for innovation for future generations." He warned against relying on past successes, urging continuous progress to maintain India's global standing.

In conclusion, Singh's remarks underscore India's commitment to advancing healthcare through collaboration and innovation. By leveraging public-private partnerships, India aims to establish itself as a leader in preventive healthcare on the world stage.

With inputs from PTI