0
0
Thiruvananthapuram, India — India has solidified its position as a global leader in vaccine production, manufacturing 60% of the world’s vaccines, with significant contributions from Pune, according to Professor Balram Bhargava, former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
In a keynote address at the BRIC-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) on Tuesday, Bhargava highlighted India’s remarkable capabilities in vaccine research and development. He noted that in 2021, the nation exported vaccines to over 100 countries, underscoring its pivotal role in global health.
The country’s success is attributed to seamless integration of funding, preclinical studies, clinical trials, laboratory research, and physiological studies, all bolstered by robust government support. This coordinated effort has been instrumental in achieving high vaccination rates; during the Omicron wave, over 95% of India’s population was vaccinated, resulting in one of the lowest death rates compared to countries like Russia, the UK, and the USA.
India’s vaccine manufacturing prowess is further exemplified by the Serum Institute of India (SII), headquartered in Pune. As the world’s largest vaccine producer by volume, SII manufactures around 1.9 billion doses annually, with plans to increase production to 4 billion doses. Their portfolio includes vaccines for tuberculosis, polio, and various childhood diseases.
The Indian pharmaceutical industry, valued at approximately $42 billion in 2021, is projected to reach $130 billion by 2030. Recognized as the world’s largest provider of generic medicines by volume, India holds a 20% share of global pharmaceutical exports. The country also supplies over 50% of global vaccine demand, 40% of the US’s generic drug requirements, and 25% of all medicines to the UK.
This impressive growth positions India as a cornerstone in global healthcare, ensuring accessible and affordable vaccines and medicines worldwide.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on data available up to March 2025. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised to consult official sources for the most current information.
