BHUBANESWAR: Odisha’s push for developing into a pharmaceutical and medical devices manufacturing hub got a big boost with the state securing investment intents to the tune of Rs 7,043 crore at the first Pharma Summit held here on Tuesday.
The state government signed a record 69 MoUs including 32 in pharmaceutical sector with proposed investments of Rs 2,681 crore, 12 in medical technology and devices with Rs 582 crore and one for a pharma park entailing investment of Rs 3,000 crore. These proposed projects are expected to generate nearly 45,000 jobs.
Inaugurating the summit organised by the government in association with FICCI, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the Odisha Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Policy-2025, which aims at building a globally competitive, innovation-led and employment-oriented life sciences ecosystem in the state. The policy offers a comprehensive framework covering infrastructure development, investment facilitation, research and development, skill development and targeted incentives for pharmaceuticals and medical devices manufacturing.
Majhi also unveiled two new industrial parks - a pharmaceutical park at Khurda-Nayagarh and medical devices manufacturing park at Khurda. These parks are equipped with industrial infrastructure, common utilities, testing and certification facilities and compliance-ready ecosystems to enable faster project implementation and ease of operations.
Addressing the summit, the chief minister said, “Odisha is ready to emerge as a leading hub for pharmaceuticals and medical devices in India. Our new policy offers one of the country’s most competitive ecosystems for investment, innovation and jobs. I invite industry leaders to come, invest in Odisha and join us in this transformative journey.”
He said the state’s strategic coastal location, port-led connectivity and transparent governance framework make it uniquely positioned to attract global pharmaceutical and medical devices manufacturing investments.
The CM also held a meeting with leading pharma industry players such as Infunex, Aurobindo Pharma, Granules Lifesciences, Macleods Pharmaceuticals, Biological E. Ltd , Pharmexcil and Cipla. He attended sectoral discussions, investment deliberations and one-to-one meetings, showcasing strategic growth opportunities in Odisha.
Over 400 delegates representing the entire life sciences value chain including active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), bulk drugs, formulations, vaccines, diagnostics, medical devices, healthcare services, research institutions, skilling partners, industry associations and students participated in the summit.