“I have seen this hostility towards the research and it is well known that medical health institutes have closed their eyes towards the research. I wonder that if it continues like that, we may not be able to see the new generation of doctors with aptitude for research.� This was stated by Dr M K Bhan who spoke at the second day of first year anniversary celebrations of Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) on March 22, 2013 at New Delhi. For the first time on the public platform, Dr Bhan seemed to point towards the grave unmet challenges that stand before the sector.

“We must realize that it is the novelty in the drug discovery that matters the most and that comes from the impact of the product it creates. We cannot just go on with research that produces nothing beneficial for the society. The joint group that was created between Indian Institute of Technology (ITT), Delhi and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) 50 years back is still functioning with the same one faculty member. We cannot live in silos and then expect the results�, added Dr Bhan further.

Talking about the regulatory aspect, he expressed his dismay over the fact that lot many vaccines and drugs have been delayed due to hassles. “Even we were served a notice from drug controller general of India (DCGI) on the compensation that we offered to the persons undergoing clinical trials. This is not all. The companies are facing too many difficulties on this front.� “I sense this hostility towards the business and the industry. This is very unfortunate as private sector is playing a key role in the growth of this nation. With the decline of agriculture, we have to look at small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for the job creation and product output�, mentioned Dr Bhan while making indirect reference to those who call the businessmen as vested interest people.

“One of the challenge is the translation of aspirations into the fruitful results. It needs to be done that is alright but how it is done? Execution is very difficult. There is a massive disconnect between the government and industry. Admiring the problem but non-implementation of the policies. This has become our habit. Policy and implementation has to be part of the same work�, he added.

The secretary for health and family welfare, Dr K Desiraju, who was present on the occasion tried to answer the specific questions raised by the audience and other panelists on the regulatory scenario. Speaking on the issue, he said, “The DCGI office is still not having the enough manpower and the efforts are on to build capacity in the organization. Besides that we are answerable to all the stakeholders. So delays are not our making. But a lot needs to be done and measures are on.�