In a significant stride toward self-reliance in pharmaceutical manufacturing, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has developed an indigenous process for producing paracetamol, a widely-used pain reliever and fever reducer. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the breakthrough on Sunday, emphasizing its alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
Dr. Singh highlighted the importance of this development in reducing India’s dependence on imported raw materials for paracetamol production. Currently, the country relies heavily on imports to meet domestic demand. With the new technology, Karnataka-based Satya Deeptha Pharmaceuticals Ltd. will spearhead the production of cost-effective, locally-made paracetamol.
“This is a major milestone in India’s journey toward pharmaceutical self-reliance,” stated Dr. Singh, referencing other recent advancements by CSIR, including the development of Nafithromycin, India’s first indigenous antibiotic capable of combating drug-resistant bacteria.
The announcement coincided with the 40th Foundation Day celebrations of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), where Dr. Singh congratulated the team on their achievements. The event also marked the transfer of 16 innovative technologies to various industries. Of these, nine were from CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO) in Chennai, focusing on the design and development of IoT-enabled scientific instruments. The remaining six, developed by CSIR-Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute (CEERI) in Pilani, are set to address healthcare and societal challenges.
Dr. Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering indigenous innovation across sectors, underscoring the role of institutions like CSIR and DSIR in advancing India’s scientific capabilities. By reducing reliance on imports and promoting local manufacturing, these developments mark a significant step toward bolstering India’s healthcare ecosystem and industrial self-sufficiency.