Dr Reddy's Laboratories (DRL) 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). The MoU is aimed at fostering market research collaboration between LSSDC and industry partners, that in turn will help align educational courses to industry requirements. The MoU will also collaborate to create pharmaceutical, biotechnology and clinical research occupation standards, as well a established 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. The partnership will also help strengthen the skilled labour pool and create standards for certification and accreditation, as per the requirements of the life sciences sector.

On entering into the partnership, Satish Reddy, chairman of DRL and LSSSDC, said, “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, in line with the future needs of Indian industry.”

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