Odisha has unveiled a comprehensive strategic plan by setting up the Odisha Pharmaceutical Development Cell (OPDC). Operating under the direct supervision of the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) and chaired by the Chief Secretary, OPDC aims to attract international investments, foster innovation, and transform the state into a pharmaceutical hub.

“Mamina Patnaik, Odisha State Drugs Controller, has been appointed as the Nodal Officer and Convener of OPDC and Drugs Inspector Chandan Kumar Giri as the Coordinator of OPDC, underscoring the state’s commitment to structured leadership in the sector. The OPDC will serve as a bridge between government and investors, driving collaborations, Special Economic Zone (SEZ) developments, and spearheading the Odisha Pharmaceutical Policy 2025,” a senior official associated with the development stated.

Under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s guidance, Odisha aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India the "Pharmacy of the World." Key milestones include the inauguration of the Central Drugs Testing Laboratory (CDTL) and the establishment of a Sub-Zonal Office of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in Bhubaneswar, solidifying the state’s regulatory and testing infrastructure.

“Odisha’s resilience during  COVID-19 highlighted our dedication to the nation. With OPDC, we are creating opportunities for our youth while contributing to global healthcare, positioning our state as the pharmaceutical hub of Eastern India”, the CMO maintained. 

The Odisha Pharmaceutical Policy 2025, currently under development, will focus on investment incentives, research and development (R&D) support, and skill development initiatives. A world-class Pharmaceutical SEZ is also being planned in the Khurdha-Balasore corridor, to create over 500,000 jobs by 2036 through skill enhancement and sustainable industrial growth.

The state plans to attract Rs 50,000 crore in investments, with the upcoming Pharmaceutical CEO Conclave serving as a key platform to engage national and international pharmaceutical giants.