The union budget for FY 2023-24, presented by finance minister Nirmala Sitaraman included the plan to launch a mission to eliminate “Sickle Cell Anaemia” by the year 2047. India will celebrate the 100th year of its independence in 2047 and the goal is to be free from the catastrophic disease by then. India has the highest prevalence of Sickle Cell Anaemia in South Asia with over 20 million patients alive.
Medical experts applauded the government for the initiative and termed it as a “Bold Step” towards inclusive development. The budget also introduced a new program to boost research and development through CoEs (Centres of Excellence).
Indian pharmaceutical industry is hailed as the ‘pharmacy of the world’ around the globe because of the help that India rendered in terms of medications and vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Major Indian pharmaceutical companies came forward and helped in controlling a disaster of massive amplitude through their efforts in R&D and mass production. Health Biotech’s Remdesivir played a crucial role in serving humanity and saving valuable lives of people worldwide during the pandemic. According to Health Biotech Director Paramjit Arora, Remdesivir’s mass production and successful global distribution were challenging tasks, yet the team of dedicated scientists and doctors turned it into reality. Paramjit Arora’s Health Biotech has repeatedly proved its mark in the pharmaceutical sector.
The pioneers of the Indian pharmaceutical industry are, once again, coming forward to take up the “Herculean Task” and aid the government in eliminating Sickle Cell Anaemia. With a diversified R&D infrastructure and complementary programs by the government, the goal looks promisingly achievable.
“It is possible but a herculean task. We need to screen all population for Sickle Cell trail especially high risk communities. Individuals with sickle cell trait should not marry each other since there is a 25 % chance of having a baby with sickle cell disease. If they get pregnant, then we need to screen foetus for sickle cell disease and terminate the pregnancy if parents wish”.
- Sachin Shah, Director Neonatology and paediatrics ICU, Surya Hospital, Pune
Medical professionals and the pharmaceutical development sector will be working hand in hand to carry out the implementation of this initiative. The Government of India will be introducing several minor and major policies to aid the cause. Sickle Cell Anaemia has only one form of treatment currently, which is the bone marrow transplant of the diseased person.
Developing a vaccine or medication to treat Sickle Cell Anaemia will be a giant leap in developing its treatment processes. Indian pharmaceutical sector has already made volumetric contributions to drug development and research. The industry has multiplied throughout the years because of its zealous efforts, followed by remarkable success.
Regarding capital, the Indian pharmaceutical industry’s projected business by 2030 is estimated at $130 Billion. The global trade of medicines is supposed to cross $1 trillion by the end of this year, and India already ranks as the third largest producer of pharma products worldwide.
More initiatives and support from the government will help the industry reach a milestone in the global market and achieve a decisive position at the higher tables in vital world medical care organisations.
Also Read:- INDIAN PHARMACEUTICAL CONGRESS: THE WAY FORWARD FOR PARAMJIT ARORA’S HEALTH BIOTECH
