The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has revealed a state-of-the-art biomedical waste conversion rig at AIIMS Delhi and announced an indigenous breakthrough in paracetamol production during the 40th Foundation Day celebrations of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR). This marks a significant step towards increasing India's self-reliance in pharmaceuticals and biomedical waste management.

Breakthrough in Paracetamol Production

The CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) has made notable progress by developing a domestic and cost-effective technology to produce paracetamol, a widely utilized analgesic and antipyretic agent. This innovation is a significant advancement in reducing India's reliance on imported raw materials and intermediates, ensuring a stable supply chain for the pharmaceutical industry.

Dr. Jitendra Singh has emphasized that historically India depended on imports for essential raw materials, despite being one of the largest exporters of medications containing paracetamol. Between March 2023 and February 2024, India imported 439 shipments of paracetamol from 30 countries, with Germany, the United States, and France being the top exporters, accounting for 62 per cent of these imports. However, with the breakthrough in paracetamol production, India intends to reduce the reliance on import by effectively substituting locally produced essential drugs of international quality standards.

Biomedical Waste Conversion Rig

A Biomedical Waste Conversion Rig called the "SRJANAM" was also inaugurated by Dr. Jitendra Singh at AIIMS Delhi. This marked yet another significant milestone for scientific innovation in healthcare. There is an expanding problem of biomedical waste in hospitals. The Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-CMERI) created this ground-breaking rig to dispose of biomedical waste in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

SRJANAM rig transforms biomedical waste into environmentally beneficial byproducts. Speaking at the event, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that biomedical waste management has become a critical issue in light of increasing medical demands,  Dr Jitendra Singh called for a paradigm shift from ‘Waste to Wealth’ and emphasized the importance of sustainability and environmental concerns

These twin developments—the indigenous paracetamol production technology and the SRJANAM biomedical waste rig—reflect CSIR’s ongoing commitment to innovation-driven healthcare solutions. The advancements are expected to enhance India’s pharmaceutical self-reliance, improve waste management efficiency, and set a benchmark for sustainable healthcare technologies.

The government has reiterated its support for such initiatives, aiming to create a robust and self-sufficient scientific and industrial ecosystem that caters to India's evolving healthcare needs.