Breaking Market Barriers: Navigating India's Healthcare Landscape

Tokyo, 10 April 2025: ERIA, in collaboration with Medical Excellence Japan (MEJ), successfully hosted the inaugural ME Japan-ME India Seminar under the theme 'Navigating India's Healthcare Landscape: Unlocking Opportunities and Breaking Market Barriers.' The seminar was held alongside CPHI Japan and MEDTEC Japan 2025, two premier international exhibitions for the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.

The event commenced with remarks from key figures: Taisuke Hashimoto (Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry/METI of Japan), Dr Kenji Shibuya (MEJ), Dr Manami Uechi (ERIA), and H.E. Ambassador Sibi George (Ambassador of India to Japan). The opening session was followed by a series of presentations and a panel discussion featuring experts from various healthcare-related sectors in India.

Dr Uechi, who serves as Director of Healthcare Services at ERIA, underscored the institute's commitment to fostering multisectoral partnerships and active collaboration with India, Japan, and other regional partners. She reaffirmed ERIA's support for the Medical Excellence in Asia (MEX) initiative, which envisions a future where everyone can access safe, efficient, and high-quality healthcare that enhances lives and drives innovation.

Ambassador George reflected on the long-standing, peaceful relationship between India and Japan, underpinned by vibrant, multi-level exchange programmes taking place every day. He emphasised the importance of extending collaboration beyond Tokyo and underlined the leadership roles the two countries play in Asia and beyond. The ambassador expressed hope for an increase in the number of Japanese companies in India.

Key Highlights

Distinguished speakers provided their invaluable insights into advancing healthcare and unveiling business realties in the region.

• Dr G.N. Singh (Advisor to the Honourable Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh (UP), and former Drugs Controller General of India) presented an overview of the development of medical device parks in UP, India's most populated state in India located in the northern part of the country.
• Dilip Jose (Manipal Health Enterprises Pvt. Ltd.) discussed strategic partnerships and business potential in India's dynamic healthcare market. He noted key drivers such as population growth, rising incomes and insurance penetration, a high burden of noncommunicable diseases and lifestyle-related diseases, and a growing digital health sector. He further highlighted opportunities for India-Japan collaborations: workforce shortage in rural and remote areas, ageing population and the lack of geriatric care, dependence on imported medical devices, and limited digital health and AI integration - areas where Japan's expertise can provide valuable insights.
• Durgesh Sharma (CBC Corporation India Pvt. Ltd.) highlighted areas for collaboration and offered key perspectives on business practices and cultural nuances between Japan and India. Citing India's reputation as the 'Pharmacy of the World', he explained the importance of confidence and trust in increasing the presence of Japanese companies in India.
• Tomonaga Tejima and Saurav Chawla (Co-Founders of OkayGo) shared their entrepreneurial journey in India's impact sector. They expressed hope that their international experiences and unique insights serve as a playbook for others entering the Indian market. Both echoed Dr Sharma's key message on finding a trusted partner and synthesising Japanese quality with Indian dynamism.

The seminar concluded with a dynamic panel discussion featuring Taisuke Hashimoto (METI), Dr Kenji Shibuya (MEJ), Durgesh Sharma (CBC India), Tomonaga Tejima and Saurav Chawla (OkayGo), moderated by Yasuhiro Sensho, MEJ Advisor on ME India. Topics included the evolving landscape of Japan-India healthcare cooperation, areas for joint initiatives, and practical strategies to overcome market entry barriers.

The panel agreed that the timing for deeper collaboration is optimal, with India's rapid development presenting new business opportunities. They highlighted a shared 'Asian mindset' that could foster mutual understanding and innovation.

India's transformation into a global manufacturing hub, combined with its welcoming business environment, makes it a promising destination for Japanese companies. The panel closed by inviting Japanese firms to explore India's healthcare sector, with MEJ offering ongoing support and guidance for successful market entry.