It’s Time to Skill India!

The Indian pharmaceutical industry has realised the need for upgrading the skills of its employees in order to stay competitive in the global market scenario. Under the guidance of the government, various initiatives have been undertaken to educate the youth and make them skill ready for their jobs.

India is one of the largest producers of pharmaceutical products and a leading player in the global generics market, exporting nearly 50 % of its production, states a report from the Indian Government. It is not surprising then that experts predict this robust industry to be the third largest pharmaceutical market by 2020 in terms of incremental growth.

It is in the backdrop of this scenario that the government has realized the importance of upgrading the workforce in this industry. The Drug Controller General of India has also issued a deadline of January 1, 2018 to the pharmaceutical industry for upgrading the skills of its employees.

Skill Courses

To assist the industry, the state of Telangana has launched the Telangana Academy of Skill and Knowledge (TASK) to enhance the skills of the youth and workforce in the fields of pharma, life sciences and healthcare. The academy’s pharma programme which began in December of last year saw the presence of nearly 96 quality control chemists from companies such as Dr. Reddy’s, Granules India, Covalent Lab, Optimus Pharma and Unique Biotech.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Sujiv Nair, CEO of TASK said, “There are many employees, especially in the pharma and healthcare sectors in the state, who might have gained expertise in the field with experience. However, pharma companies seen trooping into Telangana are now looking for certified professionals. This is why such a certificate course, which conforms to national skill qualifications, will help them get jobs.”

This is not all. The Life Sciences Sector Skill Development Council (LSSSDC) which has been established under the guidance of the Ministry of Skill Development has mandated Mumbai-based Pollux Life Science Solutions to conduct broad-based skilling in Maharashtra by providing courses that begins at the pharmacy undergraduate level and concludes with job specific theory and practical training of 10 prominent roles that cover 90 % of the functions in the pharma business.