Dr Reddy's signs MoU for skill development in life sciences

Pharma major Dr Reddy's on Monday said it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Life Sciences Sector Skill Development Council (LSSSDC) and Vishnu Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (VIPER) to strengthen the skilled labour pool in the life science industry.

The MoU was aimed at fostering market research collaboration between LSSSDC and industry partners, which in turn would help align educational courses to industry requirements, the company said in a statement.

The parties to the MoU would also collaborate to create pharmaceutical, biotechnology and clinical research occupation standards, as well as establish a competency matrix for job roles in the pharmaceutical sector.

"The partnership is aimed at addressing the shortage of skilled and certified manpower in the industry, and will help in establishing the framework for long-term collaboration between the council and industry."

It would also help strengthen the skilled labour pool and create standards for certification and accreditation, as per the requirements of the life sciences sector.

"Skill intensive industries, such as the pharmaceutical life sciences sector, are poised to contribute significantly to India's GDP growth in the coming years. It is paramount for us to create a strong foundation of highly skilled resources to support this growth. Our collaboration with LSSSDC and VIPER will go a long way in developing the right talent pool of skills," said Satish Reddy, chairman of Dr. Reddy's Laboratories who also heads the LSSSDC.

The MoU is expected to pave the way for the entire life sciences industry in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to develop a skilled workforce for technical job roles, from as early as 2016.