Pharma, healthcare growing, but they face challenges beyond Covid-19

These sectors will face another tough year after coronavirus pandemic, the first challenge being vaccination of India's 1.3 billion people. Devangshu Datta explains the opportunities and threats

The Indian pharmaceuticals industry and the healthcare sector are gearing up for a second year of extreme stress. Apart from dealing with Covid-19, and perhaps a new threat of bird flu, pharmaceutical and healthcare face several other challenges. 

First, there is the task of inoculating a vast population for Covid-19. The cost and logistics of this would be challenging. In addition, there is the imperative to get back to business as usual. Healthcare procedures not related to Covid-19 were delayed and there would be pent-up demand in these areas. Pharma companies also have to ramp up growth in non-Covid-19 medications. 

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