Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai presided over the inauguration of Aspire Pharmaceuticals’ new unit in Nava Raipur, expressing his best wishes to the management and touring the facility to observe the complete drug manufacturing process.
Chief Minister Sai reflected on the conception of this unit, which arose due to medicine shortages during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic. He lauded India’s remarkable achievement in developing its own vaccines during this global crisis, setting an example for the world. He emphasized that the launch of the pharmaceutical unit is a major step towards the industrial expansion of the state.
The Chief Minister highlighted the effectiveness of Chhattisgarh’s new industrial policy in attracting investors, noting the receipt of investment proposals exceeding ₹6 lakh crore in recent months. He confirmed that work on many of these projects is underway. The state government is committed to generating more employment through industrial units and is offering incentives to support these initiatives.
He also addressed Chhattisgarh’s silver jubilee year, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of former Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh, particularly in improving healthcare, education, and infrastructure. He highlighted the growth in healthcare, specifically the rise in medical colleges from one to 15 since the state was created, along with the provision of free medical treatment through the Ayushman Bharat Yojana and the Chief Minister Special Health Assistance Scheme.
Sai noted that he had personally attended the inauguration of more than six specialist hospitals over the last year and a half, showcasing the sustained expansion of healthcare facilities in the state. He referenced Prime Minister Modi’s focus on health and wellness through the establishment of wellness centers.
The Chief Minister also discussed the ‘Developed Chhattisgarh 2047’ vision document, which aims to boost the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) from ₹5 lakh crore to ₹10 lakh crore by 2030 and to ₹75 lakh crore by 2047. He stated that this goal is attainable with the collective effort of the state’s residents.
During his visit to Aspire Pharmaceuticals, Chief Minister Sai commended the utilization of advanced technologies at the unit. He noted that the fully automated facility will produce various medicines, including tablets, syrups, ointments, and creams. He stated that the expansion of this unit will lead to significant employment opportunities for the local youth.
Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh celebrated this event as a significant and motivating beginning for the pharmaceutical sector in Chhattisgarh. He acknowledged India’s prominence in the industry, emphasizing the importance of medicines and medical resources, especially as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that even developed countries such as the United States and those in Europe acknowledged India’s pharmaceutical capabilities during that time.
Dr. Singh also mentioned the recently unveiled vision document that will guide the state towards its development goals. He emphasized Nava Raipur’s pivotal role in industrial progress, its suitability for industrial investment, and its strategic advantage for logistics due to its excellent connectivity. Dr. Singh extended his congratulations to the Aspire Pharmaceuticals team for this new venture, recognizing its potential to stimulate development in Nava Raipur.
Several dignitaries attended the event, including Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Rajwade, along with various MLAs, and other prominent individuals.