India sets 2026 health agenda: Drug quality, innovation, TB and obesity take centre stage

Dear reader, as 2025, a year of global tumult and volatility, rolls by, Mint's reporters and columnists look around the corner on what is coming in 2026—to help you know what to expect and prepare for it. Tell us what you think at [email protected].NEW DELHI: India is pushing to upgrade its image from the 'pharmacy of the world' to a global life sciences hub, a goal that faces critical execution risks, especially concerning quality standards and policy follow-through.

The government's roadmap for 2026 mandates stringent drug quality and the scaling up of digital health, setting the stage for a five-year phase of execution.The market size of the industry is currently $11 billion, accounting for 1.5% of the global market, according to the government's 'Invest India' portal that facilitates investments. This is expected to grow to $50 billion by 2030.Experts and industry stakeholders emphasized that the immediate test of India's commitment is the implementation of revised good manufacturing practices (GMP).

These norms, aligned with World Health Organization standards, become compulsory for small pharmaceutical companies—those with a turnover of less than ₹250 crore—starting 1 January 2026. Companies that do not comply could be shut down.

(Lobbying is on to extend this deadline but a decision has not been taken by the government.)“Smaller manufacturers will need to invest in upgraded facilities... Yet, these changes are necessary to reduce operational risks, minimize recalls and ensure consistent product quality,” said Parag Bhatia, director of Laborate Pharmaceuticals, a maker of generic medicines in Panipat, Haryana.