The Indian pharmaceutical industry has undergone a significant transformation due Digitalisation - technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), MACHINE LEARNING (ML), big data analytics, block chain, and telemedicine, This evolution has led to improvisation in research and development (R&D), manufacturing, regulatory compliance, supply chain efficiency, marketing, and patient approach. This also has helped Indian pharma companies align with global regulatory standards.
Impact of Digitalisation
Artificial intelligence and Machine learning are being used to speed up drug discovery, and help in getting to know patient responses. According to EY India (2021), Sun Pharma and Dr. Reddy’s have taken advantage of AI platforms to systemise the research operations to enhance their trials.
Blockchain, a digital ledger format guarantees transparent and tamper-proof tracking of drugs from the manufacturing plant to the patient thus desisting the problem of spurious drugs. According to Deloitte (2022), digitalised supply chains have reduced delivery times and improved inventory management.
On the marketing front, companies are making use of digital mode like CRM application, mobile apps, webinars and social media to reach doctors and healthcare professionals. Tools like Veeva Systems are increasingly adopted for multichannel customer engagement (McKinsey & Company, 2022).
Telemedicine and e-pharmacies like PharmEasy and Netmeds have seen mounting growth, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing healthcare services to remote areas and making medicines more accessible (KPMG India, 2022).
Electronic records and compliance systems have made it easier for Indian firms to stick to international regulatory norms. Automated reporting and data analytics help in real-time monitoring of deviations and quicker decision-making.
Regulatory Compliance and Pharmacovigilance
Digital platforms have simplified regulatory compliance by enabling efficient data management and documentation. eCTD (electronic Common Technical Document) submissions and digital signatures streamline approval processes. The digital reporting tools and AI driven solutions have further eased the functioning of pharmacovigilance.(FICCI 2023)
Despite the technological progress, there remains some drawbacks:
Lack of technological infrastructure in rural areas and in small companies. It requires additional investment in building digital infrastructure that can pose a stumbling block for small and medium companies.
There is yet to be hundred per cent digital literacy among number of workforce and even healthcare professionals.
While there is a rapid progress in development of digital tools, the same cannot be said on part of regulatory compliance.
Government initiatives
The government has introduced various initiatives and schemes to support digitalisation in the pharmaceutical sector with an objective to make India as a global player in the pharma sector. Some of the initiatives are as follows:
Digital India 2015 with a vision to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. Under this, the government introduced Online Registration System (ORS) to make a simple appointment app for any government hospital.
eSanjeevani, a cutting-edge cloud-based telemedicine platform, has been implemented nationally for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) as a National Telemedicine Service
Nextgen e-Hospital application, adheres to global healthcare standards, ensuring seamless interoperability and data exchange among healthcare providers.
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission will connect the digital health solutions of hospitals across the country.
Aarogya Setu is a digital service, primarily a mobile application, developed by the Government of India and was aimed at protecting the citizens during COVID-19. The app has now transformed to National Health App, and is offering a whole plethora of digital health services powered by Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
On a concluding note, India’s pharma sector has a wonderful future. Integration of regulators, technology providers, and pharma stakeholders will make the sailing smooth.
References
Deloitte India. (2021). Digital transformation in life sciences and healthcare. Retrieved from https://www2.deloitte.com/in
EY India. (2021). Life Sciences 4.0: Transforming health care in India. Ernst & Young. Retrieved from https://www.ey.com/en_in/life-sciences
McKinsey & Company. (2022). Digital health: A new growth engine for Indian pharma. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com
NASSCOM. (2020). AI for drug discovery: Advancing India's pharma innovation. Retrieved from https://nasscom.in
PwC India. (2020). Reimagining pharma operations through digitalisation. Retrieved from https://www.pwc.in
FICCI. (2023). Indian pharmaceutical industry: Vision 2030. Retrieved from
McKinsey & Company. (2020). The promise of digital manufacturing in pharma. Retrieved from
https://www.mckinsey.comMinistry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India. (2021). Pharma Vision 2020. Retrieved from https://pharmaceuticals.gov.in