Gujarat Will Support Pharma Expansion: Harsh Sanghavi

Sanghavi noted that the recently announced Viksit Gujarat Industrial Policy has provided significant benefits to the pharmaceutical industry. He was speaking as the chief guest at the Pharma Conclave 2026, organised by The Secretariat in Ahmedabad.

Addressing the conclave virtually, Sanghavi said such events are extremely important for any sector as they create wide-ranging opportunities. He said the discussions and suggestions emerging from it would be compiled into a white paper and submitted to the government for consideration.

"Gujarat enjoys a leading position in the industry in India and the world," the Deputy Chief Minister said. 

Describing pharmaceuticals as one of Gujarat’s key strengths, he said the sector has the potential to fulfil the aspirations of the younger generation. He added that the government’s industrial policy has accorded greater importance to pharmaceuticals and research and development (R&D).

The Deputy Chief Minister also highlighted the emphasis being placed on skill development. Sanghavi assured the audience that the government would extend timely assistance to pharmaceutical companies planning expansion projects and was equally willing to partner with industries preparing to undertake new ventures.

Recalling the Covid-19 pandemic, he said medicines manufactured in India and Gujarat had played a crucial role in saving lives in many countries around the world.

Speaking about policy incentives, Sanghavi said the government has established mechanisms to ensure timely disbursement of incentives and the speedy resolution of industry-related issues. 

He stated that the pace of file disposal in the Industries Department has improved significantly, with the number of files processed increasing from around 150 to 390. 

He added that the government was seriously considering measures to expedite various approvals required for industries. In particular, he said the government intends to accept and act upon the suggestions received during the conclave. 

Regulators As Facilitators

Rajeev Topno, Gujarat’s Additional Chief Secretary in the Health and Family Welfare Department, highlighted cases where steps taken by the Food and Drugs Control Administration (FDCA) – Gujarat, the pharma watchdog of the state, were later adopted at a national level as well as by other states. 

“The transparent and digital licensing system of Gujarat was later adopted by 19 other states,” said Topno. 

The senior bureaucrat said the nature of regulators was changing. “They have the legislative power, the executive power as well as those of adjudication, and can even order the shutdown of units,” he said, adding this role was shifting from being controller to facilitator. 

He pressed for greater self-reliance in the field of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and emerging sectors like biopharma, biosimilar and medical devices, which are a top priority of the government.