BHUBANESWAR: Odisha is poised to emerge as a major pharmaceutical hub in eastern India by focusing on the production of quality medicines and advanced medical devices, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said on December 16 while addressing the Odisha Pharma Summit 2025 held in Bhubaneswar.
Speaking at the summit, the Chief Minister said the state government is committed to creating a robust ecosystem that supports pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing through progressive policies, strong infrastructure, and skilled human resources. He underlined that Odisha is steadily moving towards becoming a preferred destination for investments in the pharma sector.
During the event, in the presence of the Chief Minister, 45 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth ₹6,263 crore were signed, which are expected to generate around 38,406 employment opportunities in the state. Of these, 32 MoUs pertain to the pharmaceutical sector, 12 MoUs to the medical devices sector, and one MoU relates to a landmark industrial park proposal.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also launched the Odisha Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Policy 2025 and laid the foundation stone for a dedicated Pharma Park and a Medical Devices Park in Khordha district. He said the new policy is among the best in the country and has been designed to promote research, capital investment, infrastructure development, and employment generation across all segments of the pharma value chain.
In his address, Majhi said the state government is making all necessary efforts to position Odisha as the first choice for investors. He reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting non-traditional industries alongside the state’s core sectors. “Odisha today stands among the best states in the country for capital investment. Our industrial ecosystem is one of the most conducive in India, and our objective is to make Odisha a leading hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing as well,” he said.
Highlighting industrial diversification, the Chief Minister said that while metals, minerals, and chemicals remain the backbone of Odisha’s industrial growth, the state has consciously moved forward to make its resources more people-centric. Over the past one and a half years, Odisha has witnessed significant diversification with investments flowing into sectors such as chemicals, petrochemicals, green energy, fintech, electronics, semiconductors, textiles, and tourism. “With today’s summit, a new chapter begins for the pharma sector in Odisha,” he added.
The Chief Minister further said the state aims to connect its industries with global markets and establish Odisha’s distinct identity in the international industrial landscape. He expressed confidence that Odisha’s pharma sector would scale new heights in the coming years, with its products becoming globally competitive in terms of quality and cost, while strengthening the state’s reputation in med-tech manufacturing.
Reiterating the state’s readiness to support the pharma industry, Majhi said Odisha offers a fully industry-friendly environment with abundant mineral resources, three major ports, two commercial airports, a 575-km-long coastline, strong rail and road connectivity, surplus power, adequate water availability, and a trained workforce. “Odisha is fully prepared to emerge as the manufacturing hub of eastern India,” he said.
Addressing the gathering, Industries and Skill Development Minister Sampad Chandra Swain said the Odisha Pharma Summit 2025 reflects the state’s development-oriented industrialisation strategy. With progressive policies, dedicated industrial parks, and skilled manpower, Odisha is creating an enabling environment for pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, he noted.
Among those present at the event were Mahakalapada MLA Durga Prasanna Nayak, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, and Development Commissioner Anu Garg. Additional Chief Secretary, Industries and Information & Public Relations Department, Hemant Sharma delivered the welcome address, while Health Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Ashwati S. proposed the vote of thanks.
