Ahmedabad, August 28: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah stated on Thursday that India’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated its rapid development of domestic manufacturing capabilities for essential medical supplies.
Speaking at the RV Patel Pharma Nova Awards 2026 ceremony organized by Troika Pharmaceuticals Limited at the Sindhu Bhavan, Shah highlighted the concerns regarding India’s healthcare system as the pandemic spread globally.
However, he emphasized that through the collective efforts of the central and state governments, along with 1.4 billion Indians, the country showcased its capabilities and determination.
Reflecting on the nation’s response to the pandemic, Shah remarked, “India demonstrated its capabilities and resolve to the entire world.” He referenced the initial ‘Janata Curfew’ and noted that the public followed the Prime Minister’s appeal with trust.
He mentioned that the Prime Minister expressed confidence that India would win the battle against the pandemic. Shah stated, “When the people of the country stand united with resolve, any challenge can be overcome.”
He pointed out that India’s efforts during the pandemic were not limited to meeting its own needs. The country also developed vaccines and supplied them to several other nations, contributing to the global fight against the disease.
Shah noted, “During the crisis, India rapidly developed indigenous capabilities across various sectors. At the onset of the pandemic, the production of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits was very limited, and acquiring N95 masks was also challenging. In a short time, India developed the capacity to manufacture PPE kits and masks on a large scale, emerging as a major producer and exporter of these products.”
He also highlighted the development of domestic vaccine manufacturing capabilities. According to Shah, India produced vaccines, including Covaxin and Covishield, within 13 months, showcasing the country’s scientific and industrial capacity during an unprecedented health emergency.
“The experience has shown that India can not only meet its own needs but also assist other countries in times of crisis,” he added.
Shah connected the lessons learned from the pandemic to the importance of research and development (R&D) in the pharmaceutical sector. He emphasized, “Organizations working in pharmaceuticals need to contribute significantly until India develops a robust system to become self-reliant in R&D.”
He stressed the importance of recognizing researchers by society and industry, stating that awards like the RV Patel Pharma Nova Awards can encourage and honor those working in research.
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