CSIR Develops Indigenous Paracetamol to Make India Self-Reliant: Dr. Jitendra Singh

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 6th Jan. Union Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Sunday announced that the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has developed an indigenous technology to produce paracetamol, a widely used pain reliever and fever reducer. This groundbreaking development aims to reduce India’s reliance on imported ingredients, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India).

Speaking at the 40th Foundation Day celebration of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, Dr. Singh highlighted that the new technology would allow Indian companies, such as Karnataka-based Satya Deeptha Pharmaceuticals Ltd, to produce affordable paracetamol locally. Currently, India imports the key raw materials for paracetamol from multiple countries, creating vulnerability in supply chains.

“This indigenous innovation is not just a technological breakthrough but also a significant step towards self-reliance in the pharmaceutical sector. It is aligned with the vision of a self-sufficient India that no longer depends on foreign imports for essential medicines,” said Dr. Jitendra Singh.

The announcement comes amidst a broader push by CSIR and the Government of India to promote technological self-reliance in various sectors, particularly healthcare. Dr. Singh also reflected on other recent indigenous developments by CSIR, including India’s first-ever antibiotic Nafithromycin, aimed at treating drug-resistant bacteria, and the successful trial of gene therapy for Hemophilia.

The DSIR Foundation Day event also witnessed the transfer of 16 new technologies from CSIR to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) under the Laghu Udyog Bharati initiative. This brings the total number of technology transfers under the “100 days 100 technology” program to 57.

Dr. Singh praised the partnership between CSIR and the MSME sector, emphasizing the government’s role in facilitating innovation and entrepreneurship. “Our aim is to create an ecosystem where technology transfers lead to scalable solutions that benefit the public and contribute to India’s industrial growth,” he said.

As India continues to make strides in scientific research and industrial innovation, Dr. Singh concluded his address by calling on the scientific community to work together towards a future of sustainable growth and technological advancement. He underscored the need for collaboration between government and non-government sectors to further boost innovation.

The event was also attended by several distinguished scientists, industry leaders, and MSME representatives, including Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary DSIR, and Prof. A.K. Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India.