Amit Shah Lays Foundation Stone for Pharmaceutical Academy to Boost Global-Standard Skilling

At a function held in Sanathal on Tuesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of Pharmaceutical Academy for Global Excellence (PAGE), which is a big step towards enhancing the pharmaceutical talent ecosystem of India.

PAGE is an industry, led national skill development initiative of Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA), which is a consortium of leading Indian drug manufacturers. The initiative aims to create a highly skilled workforce in pharmaceutical manufacturing, quality systems, and operational excellence, which are the key areas to keeping India as the global leader in providing affordable and high, quality medicines.

In an announcement made by the academy, it was reported that the companies that are members of IPA have collectively contributed a total of USD 50 million to the setting up and development of PAGE. The money will be spent on the creation of world class training facilities equipped with the latest technology, modern laboratories, and advanced learning infrastructure.

"PAGE aims to establish world class training institutes with state of the, art infrastructure to produce highly talented human resources in pharmaceutical manufacturing, quality systems, and operations, which are the critical areas to maintain India's global leadership in medicines, " the statement read.

The academy will therefore be instrumental in supplying the pharmaceutical sector with adequate human resources as the country is getting more and more involved in the worldwide drug supply chain. Nowadays, due to stricter monitoring of the industry and the necessity to comply with the international quality standards, emphasis on the specialised training of personnel is paramount.

Industry experts also think that PAGE could be a great support for India in strengthening its reputation as the world's pharmacy by, among other things, always supplying highly skilled professionals who can effectively guarantee global compliance and meet manufacturing standards.

The action fits well with the Centre's broader agenda of promoting skill development, innovation, and self, reliance through the flagship programmes such as Skill India and Make in India By harmonising industry know, how with systematic academic training, PAGE intends to eliminate the disconnect between theoretical knowledge and practical pharmaceutical operations.

When the academy is up and running, it will probably reach out to foreign universities, regulatory agencies, and top pharmaceutical companies for collaboration in the implementation of certification programmes, apprenticeships, and executive education courses.