BioVoice News July 2016 Issue 3 Volume 1 | Page 7

editor’s note Time to rethink and sharpen our bioscience policy During the course of last 2 months, we have seen a number of positive steps being taken by the government to strengthen the human resources vertical of the sector. It is heartening to see the consultations on new curriculum for various biotechnology courses that include new introductions such as communication skills, intellectual property and entrepreneurship to name a few. Move will surely help the students to build confidence for venturing into spaces which they were never trained for in the old set up. Also, the introduction of NEET, the common entrance test for medical courses, increase in the scholarship amount in agriculture courses after implementation of Dean Committee report are indeed very good steps. While we must appreciate that government has taken back the Drug and Cosmetics Bill for further consultations apart from the new biosimilar guidelines, the time is also ripe for a rethink on our agriculture policy in terms of modern technologies for increasing the production. It is the duty of the visionary policymakers to create roadmaps that are for both short as well and long term. This edition of BioVoice in its detailed cover story analyses the ups and downs of the clinical research in India, again one of the most ignored industries is of the clinical research. In the backdrop of growing disease burden, it is the time that anti-CRO lobby understands that clinical trials are essential for evidence based medicine. Regulations no doubt have to be tight but not stifling. In continuation of the dialogue series with political parties, the ‘Face to Face’ section this time features Dr Ajoy Kumar, national spokesperson, Congress who shared his opinion on the bioscience policymaking. Among other highlights is a special article on unique student support system on social media besides an analysis story on agriculture policy. The multimedia story on theatre play ‘the Vadiya’s Oath too is a must read. Thank you all for continuous support. Please keep sharing your thoughts with us. Happy reading! RAHUL KOUL BIOVOICENEWS.COM 07