Dr Jitendra Singh Urges Private Sector-Led Innovation at TREAT-DM 2025

In a powerful address that blended visionary science policy with on-ground breakthroughs, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, called for a paradigm shift in the Indian healthcare and research ecosystem. Inaugurating the prestigious "TREAT-DM 2025" — Translational Research, Adiposopathy, and Technology for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases — via video conference at J N Tata Auditorium, he emphasized that the era of siloed operations in research is over, and that public-private integration is now central to India's scientific ambitions.

Building a Sustainable Healthcare Innovation Model

Dr Singh urged a move away from excessive reliance on government funds and toward greater private sector participation, philanthropy, and collaborative ventures to achieve global benchmarks in healthcare innovation and delivery. He argued that India's aspirations in healthcare must match its economic and scientific capabilities, and that unlocking private capital is essential for achieving this.

"The boundary between public and private sectors has gradually faded. PM Modi's reforms have opened up India's space, nuclear, and biotech sectors — and historic outcomes are already visible," the Minister said.

He stressed the need for synergised research across academia, industry, and the clinical domain, pointing out that the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has institutionalized this collaborative vision by allocating ₹50,000 crore for research funding over five years, with ₹36,000 crore expected from non-governmental sources — a globally competitive model.

Showcasing India's Biomedical Breakthroughs

Highlighting India's growing prowess in biomedical research, Dr Singh cited several recent achievements:

• India's first indigenous gene therapy trial for Hemophilia, led by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in collaboration with Christian Medical College, Vellore, has been a resounding success. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the trial demonstrated 60–70% correction in clotting ability with no post-therapy bleeding incidents.

• Development of Nafithromycin, India's first indigenously discovered antibiotic, effective against drug-resistant respiratory infections, especially in diabetic and immunocompromised patients. This innovation was born out of a government-industry collaboration and aligns with the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

• India's record in vaccine innovation and diplomacy: from the development of the world's first DNA-based COVID-19 vaccine to supplying vaccines to nearly 200 countries, India has balanced self-reliance with global humanitarianism, embodying the spirit of Vishwabandhu Bharat.

India's Global Ascent in Science and Technology

Citing India's meteoric rise across scientific domains, Dr Singh shared that:

• The space economy has grown from negligible figures to $8 billion, with a target of $40–45 billion in the next decade.

• India now ranks third in the Indo-Pacific and twelfth globally in biomanufacturing.

• Cutting-edge devices from institutions like Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, are being exported globally, reinforcing India's image as a high-quality R&D-driven manufacturing hub.

Biotechnology in Space: Indian Research with Global Implications

In a fascinating insight into India's expanding scientific frontier, the Minister revealed that Indian astronaut Subhanshu Sharma has been conducting life science experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) using kits developed by DBT. These include:

• Studies on muscle regeneration

• Assessments of cellular behavior in electronic environments

"These are not just experiments in orbit; they are Indian innovations with global ramifications," said Dr Singh.

Aligning Research with Viksit Bharat @ 2047

Dr Singh concluded by urging the scientific community to align their efforts with India's developmental roadmap toward Viksit Bharat @ 2047, calling for relentless focus on:

• Innovation-driven growth

• Self-reliant research ecosystems

• International collaboration with Indian leadership

"India's growth in science and technology will be defined by our ability to innovate at scale, build sustainable systems, and contribute globally," he affirmed.

Thought Leadership at TREAT-DM 2025

The conference brought together global leaders in diabetes research, including:

• Dr C. N. Manjunath, Member of Parliament (Bengaluru Rural)

• Prof. Govindan Rangarajan, Director, Indian Institute of Science (IISc)

• Prof. Navakanta Bhat, Dean, Interdisciplinary Sciences, IISc

• Dr Rohit N. Kulkarni, Harvard Medical School

• Senior clinicians, endocrinologists, and biomedical researchers from across India and abroad

The TREAT-DM 2025 platform has evolved into a critical node for translational research in India, particularly in diabetes and metabolic diseases, which are increasingly impacting India's youth and working-age population.

Toward a Healthier, Innovative India

The conference and Dr Singh's address together highlighted a strategic pivot — from reactive healthcare to proactive, innovation-led models. With increasing convergence of AI, biotech, and space research, India is well-positioned to lead in next-gen health solutions, particularly for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes.

Through initiatives like ANRF, indigenous drug discovery, and cross-sector collaboration, India is laying the foundation for a globally relevant, resilient, and self-sustaining healthcare and research ecosystem.