Lucknow, August 21: A significant discussion took place at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan during the UP-Japan Healthcare and Care Economy Partnership sectoral session. This meeting explored new partnership opportunities between Uttar Pradesh and Japan in healthcare, medical education, robotics, pharmaceuticals, and skilled human resources. Speakers emphasized that the fusion of Uttar Pradesh’s youthful workforce and Japan’s advanced technology could create new opportunities in the healthcare sector for both nations.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak stated that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh has become one of the fastest-growing economies in the country. Improvements in law and order, expressways, air connectivity, electricity, and other infrastructure have made the state favorable for investment.
He noted that Japan is renowned worldwide for its technology, quality, and efficiency, while Uttar Pradesh boasts a large young population and trained human resources. The number of medical colleges in the state has increased from 47 to over 83. Alongside medical colleges, nursing colleges are also being developed, with significant increases in MBBS, MD, nursing, and paramedical seats. Given Japan’s need for trained human resources, Uttar Pradesh can play a crucial role in supplying doctors, pharmacists, nursing staff, and medical technicians. Training in the Japanese language and work culture can also be provided to meet the requirements of Japanese companies.
Amit Ghosh, Additional Chief Secretary of Health, highlighted the vast potential for collaboration with Japan in the healthcare sector. He mentioned that new-generation startup entrepreneurs participated in a recent investment program. On the same day, 12 companies signed MOUs in the pharmaceutical sector. Japanese companies are keen to invest in Uttar Pradesh, which is also working to bring Japanese technology to the state. He revealed plans to explore new possibilities in robotics technology with Japanese collaboration and the development of a medical tech park over approximately 400 acres. There are also prospects for Japanese investors and companies to participate in constructing medical colleges under the PPP model. He asserted that the combination of Japan’s work culture and technical expertise with Uttar Pradesh’s developing healthcare infrastructure could create a robust model.
Minister of Vocational Education and Skill Development Kapil Dev Agarwal remarked that Prime Minister Modi’s efforts have strengthened India’s global identity. The visit of the Japanese delegation to Uttar Pradesh, following Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s trip to Japan, is a testament to the growing trust and strengthening ties between the two nations. He stated that the synergy of Japanese technology and Uttar Pradesh’s youthful workforce would generate new development opportunities. The state has implemented a transparent one-window system for investors, providing training in foreign languages to equip youth for job opportunities both domestically and internationally.
He assured the Japanese representatives that the Uttar Pradesh government would fully support bringing Japanese technology to the state while providing skilled human resources. Labor and Employment Minister Anil Rajbhar emphasized that creating jobs alongside investment is a government priority in the campaign to make Uttar Pradesh self-reliant and empowered. He noted the demand for skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled manpower both domestically and internationally, stating that Uttar Pradesh is ready to meet this need. The government’s commitment is to ensure “every hand has work,” connecting this initiative to job opportunities abroad.
He mentioned that the Japanese delegation’s visit to assess the state’s infrastructure would strengthen investor confidence in Uttar Pradesh. Many other speakers participated in the sectoral session, emphasizing that Uttar Pradesh’s human resources, combined with Japan’s technology and strong partnership, could pave the way for new opportunities in healthcare and the care economy. Proposed collaborations in investment, technology transfer, medical education, robotics, and employment are expected to invigorate not only Uttar Pradesh but also India-Japan economic relations.
Dr. Hariom, Principal Secretary of the Skill Development Department, stated that Uttar Pradesh has an extensive network of ITIs and polytechnic institutions, capable of training millions of youth annually. If clear, demand-based proposals are received from Japan, specialized training centers can be developed for youth, focusing on the Japanese language, technical skills, caregiving, work culture, and practical standards of Japanese workplaces. This will equip youth with the necessary skills and language proficiency for employment in Japan.
Dr. M.K. Shanmuga Sundaram, Principal Secretary of the Labor and Employment Department, noted that India is among the youngest countries globally, while Japan faces challenges due to an aging population and labor shortages. In the coming years, Japan will require a large number of trained workers in various fields, including caregiving. He highlighted that India and Uttar Pradesh have a vast labor force, with millions registered on the e-Shram portal. Job opportunities in Japan span caregiving, construction, manufacturing, and logistics.
He emphasized that through safe and organized migration, Uttar Pradesh’s youth can be connected to the global job market. Pulkit Khare, Mission Director of the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission, reiterated the state’s capacity to train a large number of youth, paving the way for a promising future.
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