editor’s note
Streamlined regulations still a dream in India?
It has been a decade since we heard first that the regulatory system will be made simpler but has it
really happened on ground, is not a difficult answer to sum up. While not taking up each one of the
issues, I would rather point out the sentiment expressed by cross sections of the sector. Be it scientists,
industry leaders, foreign companies, entrepreneurs and many more, the regulations are a big challenge
according to them. It is not that we are dismissing the efforts made by the government in this direction,
nor is this a comment made in an AC room without trying to know the change. It is just a step towards
review and introspection that we must do as a media.
There have been efforts including meetings, conferences and assurances in this direction but the
ground zero sentiments remain below the scale of positivity. Only mild changes not overwhelming. Why
so? Why has the BRAI bill been forgotten? Why are we not talking about drug discovery and clinical
research regulations? Are we allowing GM or not? If
not then why not give guidelines to research institutes
where millions are being spent, not to talk about
efforts and time!
This issue of the Biovoice eMagazine in its cover
story takes you through the ‘Biorevolution 2.0:
India’s quest to become a biotech hub by 2025’.
We are reporting what the top policymakers say on
the preparations. The Face to Face section features
an exclusive interview of Dr P M Murali, President,
Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises where
he shares insights on the Indian biotech sector. Dr B
N Manohar of Stempeutics talks about future of stem
cells industry in the Biochat where again Ms Pushpa
Vijayraghavan, of Sathguru Consultants tells us about
the vaccine industry trends. The Expert Column this
time is purely of scientific nature with Dr Partha Majumdar and Dr Ankita Garg sharing their research
efforts to track the HIV virus. Besides there is back to back coverage of 4 major events that happened in
the month of March. Much more to explore in this power packed edition.
Meanwhile, the BioVoice Student Survey is in its last phase and will end on April 30th. Invite all the
students to participate and share their views!
As always, I would like to thank all our readers and well-wishers!
Keep mailing us and following the BioVoice News!
RAHUL KOUL
CHIEF EDITOR
BIOVOICENEWS.COM
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