Chennai: The Government of Odisha has taken a decisive step in its mission to transform the state into a major pharmaceutical powerhouse by formally notifying the Odisha Pharmaceutical Development Cell (OPDC).
This strategic body, operating under the direct supervision of the Chief Minister’s Office, is designed to be the central authority to spearhead the state’s efforts in becoming a major pharmaceutical hub in eastern India.
According to sources from the drug control department, the creation of the OPDC is a strategic move to formalize the government’s commitment to the pharmaceutical industry. The Cell, chaired by the chief secretary, aims to attract significant investments from global and national companies, with a focus on establishing manufacturing units for formulations, APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients), medical devices, and biotechnology. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India the ‘Pharmacy of the World’.
Talking to Pharmabiz, the coordinator of the Cell, Chandan Kumar Giri, said the six-member OPDC is a multidisciplinary body designed to provide comprehensive oversight. The chief secretary serves as the chairman, while the principal secretaries of the industry, MSME (micro, small, and medium enterprises), and health departments are key members.
Mamina Patnaik, the state drug controller of Odisha, has been appointed as the nodal officer, and Chandan Kumar Giri, drug inspector at the headquarters, is the coordinator.
Giri said, the OPDC will play a central role in organizing a National Pharma Conclave in Bhubaneswar, scheduled to take place before the next ‘Utkarsha Odisha Conclave’ (‘Make-in-Odisha Conclave 2025’) in December or January 2026. This dedicated conclave aims to bring together industry leaders from across the country and abroad to showcase Odisha’s potential and attract investment. Earlier, the department of drug control had submitted a draft pharma policy, which is currently under consideration by the government. The policy is designed to be investor-friendly, offering incentives and support to streamline the process of setting up pharmaceutical businesses in the state.
A few months ago, the drug control department had conducted a survey which revealed a surprising and encouraging fact that nearly 40% of the human resources in major Indian pharmaceutical MNCs and companies are from Odisha. This finding highlights the state’s significant contribution of skilled professionals to the national pharma sector. The Odiya people, often holding key positions in management, marketing, and policy-making, are a testament to the state’s intellectual capital. This strong human resource base provides a compelling argument for establishing a pharma hub within the state to retain and utilize this talent locally.
To create a conducive environment for the industry, the OPDC has suggested the development of an Integrated Lifesciences Park, similar to those pharma parks in other states. This park would offer a centralized location with world-class infrastructure, streamlined regulatory clearances, and financial incentives.
He said Odisha’s efforts are receiving significant support from the Central government. Key milestones include the recent inauguration of the Central Drugs Testing Laboratory (CDTL) and the establishment of a Sub-Zonal office of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in Bhubaneswar. These institutions provide a robust foundation for regulatory and testing infrastructure, which is essential for ensuring quality and compliance in the pharmaceutical sector. This governmental and regulatory support, combined with the state’s proactive policies, positions Odisha as an attractive destination for pharmaceutical investment and growth.
Dr. Rejat Kumar Kar, president of the Odisha Pharmacy Intellectual Forum (OPIF), said they will offer their full support to the government and the OPDC in all their efforts to make the state a pharma hub in the east.
Sumanta Kumar Tiwari, the Joint Drug Controller of Jharkhand’s drug control administration, stated that he will lead a team of pharma industry leaders and regulators from Ranchi to the upcoming Pharma Conclave in Odisha to ensure a coordinated effort in Eastern India.
