HLL Lifecare Marks 60 Years of Public Health Service and Affordable Healthcare Mission

Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava addressed the Diamond Jubilee Valedictory Function of HLL Lifecare Limited in Thiruvananthapuram, celebrating the organisation’s 60 years of contribution to India’s public health sector and affordable healthcare mission.

The event, held at the HLL Peroorkada Factory, marked six decades of HLL Lifecare’s role in strengthening India’s healthcare system through public health products, diagnostics, healthcare infrastructure, social marketing, and affordable medicine initiatives.

Established in 1966, HLL Lifecare Limited has been closely associated with India’s National Family Planning Programme and has evolved into one of the country’s leading public sector healthcare enterprises.

Union Health Secretary Praises HLL’s Public Health Contributions

Addressing the gathering, Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s deep trust in HLL Lifecare and praised the organisation for consistently supporting the government’s vision of ensuring inclusive, affordable, and quality healthcare for all citizens.

She commended HLL for its ability to adapt to changing healthcare needs and for developing practical solutions that address critical gaps in India’s healthcare system.

According to the Health Secretary, HLL’s interventions may not always appear revolutionary individually, but collectively they have had a transformative impact on public healthcare, particularly for women and vulnerable patients.

She emphasised that HLL has become a key partner in advancing national healthcare objectives through transparency, integrity, and sustained public service delivery.

AMRIT Pharmacies and Affordable Medicines Highlighted

The Union Health Secretary specifically highlighted the success of HLL’s AMRIT (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment) Pharmacy network, which recently completed ten years of service.

She said initiatives such as AMRIT Pharmacies and the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana have significantly improved public access to affordable medicines across India.

According to her, AMRIT Pharmacies have enabled patients to purchase:

• Cancer medicines

• Branded drugs

• Essential medical devices

at prices up to 50 percent lower than prevailing market rates.

She noted that the initiative has provided substantial financial relief to patients and families dealing with expensive medical treatments.

HLL Recognised for Crisis Response During Operation Sindoor

Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava also praised HLL Lifecare for its rapid response during Operation Sindoor, during which the organisation delivered essential medical equipment, BHISHM cubes, and medicines to Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.

She said HLL’s response demonstrated strong operational readiness and a capacity to support the nation during emergencies and crises.

“The true measure of an institution lies in its ability to rise to challenges during critical moments,” she stated, adding that HLL had set a benchmark in public service delivery.

Commemorative Coin Released to Mark 60-Year Journey

One of the major highlights of the event was the release of a commemorative coin celebrating HLL Lifecare’s 60-year journey as a leading public sector healthcare enterprise in India.

The commemorative coin symbolises the organisation’s enduring legacy and national importance in strengthening India’s healthcare ecosystem over the decades.

HLL Signs MoUs With IIT Bombay and IIT Madras

The event also witnessed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between HLL Lifecare and premier institutions including:

• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay

• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras

The partnerships are aimed at:

• Advancing healthcare innovation

• Supporting collaborative research

• Developing cutting-edge healthcare technologies

• Strengthening indigenous healthcare solutions

Officials said the collaborations are expected to accelerate the development of affordable and technology-driven healthcare systems tailored to India’s public health requirements.

New Healthcare Products and Services Announced

Reinforcing its focus on affordable healthcare and social impact, HLL announced several new product and service initiatives during the celebration.

The launches included:

• Relaunch of the Hydrocephalus Shunt

• Launch of the HLL Parivarthan Wellness Clinic

• Introduction of HLL Water

• Rollout of “Happy Days” Compostable Sanitary Napkins

Officials said these initiatives reflect HLL’s continued emphasis on accessibility, sustainability, innovation, and women’s health.

The compostable sanitary napkin initiative is also aligned with growing efforts to promote environmentally sustainable menstrual hygiene products in India.

Upgraded Menstrual Cup Manufacturing Facility Inaugurated

During the programme, the Union Health Secretary inaugurated the upgraded menstrual cup manufacturing facility at HLL’s Akkulam Factory in Thiruvananthapuram.

The upgraded facility aims to:

• Promote women’s health

• Expand sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions

• Strengthen indigenous manufacturing capabilities

• Support environmentally friendly healthcare products

Officials said the expansion reflects India’s increasing focus on locally manufactured healthcare products aligned with national self-reliance goals.

Union Health Secretary Visits HLL Manufacturing Facilities

As part of the visit, Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava toured HLL Lifecare’s PFT and AFT manufacturing facilities, where she was briefed by senior officials on production operations and quality standards.

She interacted with teams and reviewed manufacturing processes while appreciating HLL’s commitment to:

• Quality assurance

• Operational efficiency

• Indigenous production excellence

The visit underscored the government’s continued support for strengthening domestic healthcare manufacturing capabilities.

HLL’s Continuing Role in India’s Public Health System

Over the past six decades, HLL Lifecare has emerged as a major public sector healthcare institution involved in multiple areas including:

• Family planning products

• Medical devices

• Diagnostics

• Healthcare infrastructure projects

• Public health programmes

• Affordable medicine distribution

• Women’s healthcare products

The organisation has played a significant role in supporting India’s public healthcare delivery systems and improving access to essential medical services.

The Diamond Jubilee celebration highlighted HLL’s evolving role in supporting India’s healthcare transformation while continuing to prioritise affordability, innovation, sustainability, and public service.