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Pharma Sector Shining in the Midst of Coronavirus

Updated on March 28, 2026 , 656 views

Coronavirus has impacted the global Economy, due to which the domestic equity faced a huge decline. Most stocks have been hit low records. The BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty had their worst run since the 2nd week of March. On 18th March, Sensex ended at 28,896 points by falling 1709 points while Nifty failed below 8500 points.

pharma sector in coronavirus

Pharma, the safe haven for Investors

In the midst of the mayhem, the pharma sector looks less affected as it is profiting handsomely. Investors hunting for safe havens in the ongoing turmoil can consider Investing in the pharma sector as it is showing an improving trend in Earnings.

In recent years, the pharmaceutical sector has augmented as the new listing of hospitals and diagnostic companies have been added more to the basket. The government policies and rising Income levels are giving robust growth in this sector.

The pharmaceutical sector was valued at US$33 billion in 2017. In 2018, the Indian pharmaceutical exports stood at US$17.27 billion and reached US$19.14 billion in 2019. The pharmaceutical Industry is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 22.4% by 2020.

Indian companies received 304 Abbreviated New Drug Application from the US Food and Drug Administration in 2017. The pharma sector will expand and will reach US$55 billion by 2025.

The pharmaceuticals exports bulk drugs, intermediates, drug formulations, biologicals, herbal products and so on. India’s biotechnology industry compromising bio-agriculture, bio-industry, bio-pharmaceuticals and so on is expected to grow at the moderate rate of around 30% a year and it is expected to reach US$ 100 billion in the coming years.

Factors for Investing in Pharma Sector

The pharma sector provides several opportunities for investments and trade due to the following factors:

  • India’s huge population is an excellent centre for clinical trials.
  • India has cost-effective sources for getting a hold for generic drugs, especially the drugs that are going off their patents in the coming years.
  • India has excellent laboratories with world-class facilities. The laboratories specialize in the development of cost-efficient drug Manufacturing technology.
  • The country is self-sufficient for the production of bulk drugs. Almost 70% of the requirements for the formulation of drugs is available in India.
  • The Indian pharmaceutical industry is attracting foreign investors, which is increasing the trade balance in the pharma sector
  • The country is a fast-growing biotech industry, it offers potential in the international Market. Also, it has made the pharma sector an attractive industry to make investments.

Best Pharma Sector Funds to Invest in India 2025

FundNAVNet Assets (Cr)3 MO (%)6 MO (%)1 YR (%)3 YR (%)5 YR (%)2024 (%)
SBI Healthcare Opportunities Fund Growth ₹415.515
↓ -5.79
₹4,077-0.10.42.625.417.3-3.5
Nippon India Pharma Fund Growth ₹489.735
↓ -5.87
₹8,306-3-1.31.72214.5-3.3
UTI Healthcare Fund Growth ₹271.24
↓ -3.96
₹1,107-3.5-4.61.12414.3-3.1
Note: Returns up to 1 year are on absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR basis. as on 30 Mar 26

Research Highlights & Commentary of 3 Funds showcased

CommentarySBI Healthcare Opportunities FundNippon India Pharma FundUTI Healthcare Fund
Point 1Lower mid AUM (₹4,077 Cr).Highest AUM (₹8,306 Cr).Bottom quartile AUM (₹1,107 Cr).
Point 2Established history (21+ yrs).Established history (21+ yrs).Oldest track record among peers (26 yrs).
Point 3Top rated.Rating: 2★ (lower mid).Rating: 1★ (bottom quartile).
Point 4Risk profile: High.Risk profile: High.Risk profile: High.
Point 55Y return: 17.33% (upper mid).5Y return: 14.47% (lower mid).5Y return: 14.29% (bottom quartile).
Point 63Y return: 25.40% (upper mid).3Y return: 22.01% (bottom quartile).3Y return: 23.96% (lower mid).
Point 71Y return: 2.59% (upper mid).1Y return: 1.74% (lower mid).1Y return: 1.10% (bottom quartile).
Point 8Alpha: -1.63 (bottom quartile).Alpha: -0.22 (lower mid).Alpha: 0.62 (upper mid).
Point 9Sharpe: 0.55 (bottom quartile).Sharpe: 0.65 (lower mid).Sharpe: 0.72 (upper mid).
Point 10Information ratio: -0.25 (upper mid).Information ratio: -0.76 (bottom quartile).Information ratio: -0.39 (lower mid).

SBI Healthcare Opportunities Fund

  • Lower mid AUM (₹4,077 Cr).
  • Established history (21+ yrs).
  • Top rated.
  • Risk profile: High.
  • 5Y return: 17.33% (upper mid).
  • 3Y return: 25.40% (upper mid).
  • 1Y return: 2.59% (upper mid).
  • Alpha: -1.63 (bottom quartile).
  • Sharpe: 0.55 (bottom quartile).
  • Information ratio: -0.25 (upper mid).

Nippon India Pharma Fund

  • Highest AUM (₹8,306 Cr).
  • Established history (21+ yrs).
  • Rating: 2★ (lower mid).
  • Risk profile: High.
  • 5Y return: 14.47% (lower mid).
  • 3Y return: 22.01% (bottom quartile).
  • 1Y return: 1.74% (lower mid).
  • Alpha: -0.22 (lower mid).
  • Sharpe: 0.65 (lower mid).
  • Information ratio: -0.76 (bottom quartile).

UTI Healthcare Fund

  • Bottom quartile AUM (₹1,107 Cr).
  • Oldest track record among peers (26 yrs).
  • Rating: 1★ (bottom quartile).
  • Risk profile: High.
  • 5Y return: 14.29% (bottom quartile).
  • 3Y return: 23.96% (lower mid).
  • 1Y return: 1.10% (bottom quartile).
  • Alpha: 0.62 (upper mid).
  • Sharpe: 0.72 (upper mid).
  • Information ratio: -0.39 (lower mid).

1. SBI Healthcare Opportunities Fund

(Erstwhile SBI Pharma Fund)

To provide the investors maximum growth opportunity through equity investments in stocks of growth oriented sectors of the economy.

Research Highlights for SBI Healthcare Opportunities Fund

  • Lower mid AUM (₹4,077 Cr).
  • Established history (21+ yrs).
  • Top rated.
  • Risk profile: High.
  • 5Y return: 17.33% (upper mid).
  • 3Y return: 25.40% (upper mid).
  • 1Y return: 2.59% (upper mid).
  • Alpha: -1.63 (bottom quartile).
  • Sharpe: 0.55 (bottom quartile).
  • Information ratio: -0.25 (upper mid).
  • Top sector: Health Care.
  • Top bond sector: Cash Equivalent.
  • Equity-heavy allocation (~97%).
  • High-quality debt (AAA/AA ~100%).
  • Largest holding Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd (~10.7%).

Below is the key information for SBI Healthcare Opportunities Fund

SBI Healthcare Opportunities Fund
Growth
Launch Date 31 Dec 04
NAV (30 Mar 26) ₹415.515 ↓ -5.79   (-1.37 %)
Net Assets (Cr) ₹4,077 on 28 Feb 26
Category Equity - Sectoral
AMC SBI Funds Management Private Limited
Rating
Risk High
Expense Ratio 1.97
Sharpe Ratio 0.55
Information Ratio -0.25
Alpha Ratio -1.63
Min Investment 5,000
Min SIP Investment 500
Exit Load 0-15 Days (0.5%),15 Days and above(NIL)

Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.

DateValue
28 Feb 21₹10,000
28 Feb 22₹11,124
28 Feb 23₹11,119
29 Feb 24₹17,867
28 Feb 25₹19,943
28 Feb 26₹22,473

SBI Healthcare Opportunities Fund SIP Returns

   
My Monthly Investment:
Investment Tenure:
Years
Expected Annual Returns:
%
Total investment amount is ₹300,000
expected amount after 5 Years is ₹470,047.
Net Profit of ₹170,047
Invest Now

Returns for SBI Healthcare Opportunities Fund

Returns up to 1 year are on absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 30 Mar 26

DurationReturns
1 Month -2.3%
3 Month -0.1%
6 Month 0.4%
1 Year 2.6%
3 Year 25.4%
5 Year 17.3%
10 Year
15 Year
Since launch 14.9%
Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
YearReturns
2024 -3.5%
2023 42.2%
2022 38.2%
2021 -6%
2020 20.1%
2019 65.8%
2018 -0.5%
2017 -9.9%
2016 2.1%
2015 -14%
Fund Manager information for SBI Healthcare Opportunities Fund
NameSinceTenure
Tanmaya Desai1 Jun 1114.76 Yr.

Data below for SBI Healthcare Opportunities Fund as on 28 Feb 26

Equity Sector Allocation
SectorValue
Health Care88.94%
Basic Materials8.06%
Asset Allocation
Asset ClassValue
Cash2.93%
Equity96.99%
Debt0.07%
Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
NameHoldingValueQuantity
Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Dec 17 | SUNPHARMA
11%₹434 Cr2,500,000
↑ 100,000
Divi's Laboratories Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Mar 12 | DIVISLAB
8%₹308 Cr480,000
↑ 40,000
Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Jan 26 | APOLLOHOSP
6%₹235 Cr300,000
Max Healthcare Institute Ltd Ordinary Shares (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Mar 21 | MAXHEALTH
5%₹197 Cr1,800,000
↓ -200,000
Acutaas Chemicals Ltd (Basic Materials)
Equity, Since 30 Jun 24 | 543349
5%₹194 Cr900,000
Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 30 Jun 21 | TORNTPHARM
4%₹173 Cr400,000
Lupin Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Aug 23 | LUPIN
4%₹173 Cr750,000
↓ -90,000
Aster DM Healthcare Ltd Ordinary Shares (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Mar 24 | ASTERDM
4%₹157 Cr2,400,000
Biocon Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 30 Nov 24 | BIOCON
4%₹146 Cr3,750,000
Laurus Labs Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Aug 23 | LAURUSLABS
3%₹142 Cr1,320,000

2. Nippon India Pharma Fund

The primary investment objective of the scheme is to seek to generate consistent returns by investing in equity and equity related or fixed income securities of Pharma and other associated companies.

Research Highlights for Nippon India Pharma Fund

  • Highest AUM (₹8,306 Cr).
  • Established history (21+ yrs).
  • Rating: 2★ (lower mid).
  • Risk profile: High.
  • 5Y return: 14.47% (lower mid).
  • 3Y return: 22.01% (bottom quartile).
  • 1Y return: 1.74% (lower mid).
  • Alpha: -0.22 (lower mid).
  • Sharpe: 0.65 (lower mid).
  • Information ratio: -0.76 (bottom quartile).
  • Top sector: Health Care.
  • Top bond sector: Cash Equivalent.
  • Equity-heavy allocation (~100%).
  • Largest holding Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd (~13.1%).

Below is the key information for Nippon India Pharma Fund

Nippon India Pharma Fund
Growth
Launch Date 5 Jun 04
NAV (30 Mar 26) ₹489.735 ↓ -5.87   (-1.18 %)
Net Assets (Cr) ₹8,306 on 28 Feb 26
Category Equity - Sectoral
AMC Nippon Life Asset Management Ltd.
Rating
Risk High
Expense Ratio 1.81
Sharpe Ratio 0.65
Information Ratio -0.76
Alpha Ratio -0.22
Min Investment 5,000
Min SIP Investment 100
Exit Load 0-1 Years (1%),1 Years and above(NIL)

Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.

DateValue
28 Feb 21₹10,000
28 Feb 22₹11,521
28 Feb 23₹11,001
29 Feb 24₹17,725
28 Feb 25₹18,634
28 Feb 26₹21,244

Nippon India Pharma Fund SIP Returns

   
My Monthly Investment:
Investment Tenure:
Years
Expected Annual Returns:
%
Total investment amount is ₹300,000
expected amount after 5 Years is ₹436,710.
Net Profit of ₹136,710
Invest Now

Returns for Nippon India Pharma Fund

Returns up to 1 year are on absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 30 Mar 26

DurationReturns
1 Month -4.9%
3 Month -3%
6 Month -1.3%
1 Year 1.7%
3 Year 22%
5 Year 14.5%
10 Year
15 Year
Since launch 19.5%
Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
YearReturns
2024 -3.3%
2023 34%
2022 39.2%
2021 -9.9%
2020 23.9%
2019 66.4%
2018 1.7%
2017 3.6%
2016 7.6%
2015 -10.6%
Fund Manager information for Nippon India Pharma Fund
NameSinceTenure
Sailesh Raj Bhan1 Apr 0520.93 Yr.
Kinjal Desai25 May 187.77 Yr.
Lokesh Maru5 Sep 250.48 Yr.
Divya Sharma5 Sep 250.48 Yr.

Data below for Nippon India Pharma Fund as on 28 Feb 26

Equity Sector Allocation
SectorValue
Health Care99.7%
Asset Allocation
Asset ClassValue
Cash0.3%
Equity99.7%
Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
NameHoldingValueQuantity
Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Oct 09 | SUNPHARMA
13%₹1,087 Cr6,256,349
Lupin Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Aug 08 | LUPIN
8%₹664 Cr2,883,991
Divi's Laboratories Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Mar 12 | DIVISLAB
7%₹545 Cr850,754
Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 30 Jun 11 | DRREDDY
6%₹482 Cr3,749,746
↓ -166,328
Cipla Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 May 08 | CIPLA
6%₹471 Cr3,495,054
Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 30 Sep 20 | APOLLOHOSP
5%₹429 Cr548,795
↓ -100,000
Medplus Health Services Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 30 Nov 22 | 543427
4%₹307 Cr3,627,277
Max Healthcare Institute Ltd Ordinary Shares (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Oct 25 | MAXHEALTH
3%₹290 Cr2,658,082
↑ 1,416,742
Vijaya Diagnostic Centre Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 30 Sep 21 | 543350
3%₹290 Cr2,886,684
Ajanta Pharma Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 30 Apr 22 | AJANTPHARM
3%₹283 Cr946,323
↓ -13,000

3. UTI Healthcare Fund

(Erstwhile UTI Pharma & Healthcare Fund)

The Investment objective of the Scheme is capital appreciation through investments in equities and equity related instruments of the Pharma & Healthcare sectors.

Research Highlights for UTI Healthcare Fund

  • Bottom quartile AUM (₹1,107 Cr).
  • Oldest track record among peers (26 yrs).
  • Rating: 1★ (bottom quartile).
  • Risk profile: High.
  • 5Y return: 14.29% (bottom quartile).
  • 3Y return: 23.96% (lower mid).
  • 1Y return: 1.10% (bottom quartile).
  • Alpha: 0.62 (upper mid).
  • Sharpe: 0.72 (upper mid).
  • Information ratio: -0.39 (lower mid).
  • Top sector: Health Care.
  • Top bond sector: Cash Equivalent.
  • Equity-heavy allocation (~98%).
  • Largest holding Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd (~9.4%).

Below is the key information for UTI Healthcare Fund

UTI Healthcare Fund
Growth
Launch Date 28 Jun 99
NAV (30 Mar 26) ₹271.24 ↓ -3.96   (-1.44 %)
Net Assets (Cr) ₹1,107 on 28 Feb 26
Category Equity - Sectoral
AMC UTI Asset Management Company Ltd
Rating
Risk High
Expense Ratio 2.26
Sharpe Ratio 0.72
Information Ratio -0.39
Alpha Ratio 0.62
Min Investment 5,000
Min SIP Investment 500
Exit Load 0-1 Years (1%),1 Years and above(NIL)

Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.

DateValue
28 Feb 21₹10,000
28 Feb 22₹11,103
28 Feb 23₹10,525
29 Feb 24₹16,576
28 Feb 25₹18,397
28 Feb 26₹21,110

UTI Healthcare Fund SIP Returns

   
My Monthly Investment:
Investment Tenure:
Years
Expected Annual Returns:
%
Total investment amount is ₹300,000
expected amount after 5 Years is ₹436,710.
Net Profit of ₹136,710
Invest Now

Returns for UTI Healthcare Fund

Returns up to 1 year are on absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 30 Mar 26

DurationReturns
1 Month -4.8%
3 Month -3.5%
6 Month -4.6%
1 Year 1.1%
3 Year 24%
5 Year 14.3%
10 Year
15 Year
Since launch 14.3%
Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
YearReturns
2024 -3.1%
2023 42.9%
2022 38.2%
2021 -12.3%
2020 19.1%
2019 67.4%
2018 1.2%
2017 -7.5%
2016 6.2%
2015 -9.7%
Fund Manager information for UTI Healthcare Fund
NameSinceTenure
Kamal Gada2 May 223.83 Yr.

Data below for UTI Healthcare Fund as on 28 Feb 26

Equity Sector Allocation
SectorValue
Health Care97.13%
Basic Materials1.07%
Asset Allocation
Asset ClassValue
Cash1.79%
Equity98.21%
Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
NameHoldingValueQuantity
Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Oct 06 | SUNPHARMA
9%₹104 Cr600,000
Ajanta Pharma Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Jul 17 | AJANTPHARM
7%₹78 Cr260,316
↓ -16,566
Lupin Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 28 Feb 25 | LUPIN
6%₹64 Cr278,214
↓ -16,777
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Mar 24 | GLENMARK
4%₹47 Cr220,000
Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 30 Apr 21 | APOLLOHOSP
4%₹41 Cr53,000
Gland Pharma Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 30 Nov 20 | GLAND
4%₹39 Cr215,251
↓ -12,327
Divi's Laboratories Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 30 Sep 17 | DIVISLAB
4%₹39 Cr60,738
↑ 10,738
Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 28 Feb 18 | DRREDDY
3%₹39 Cr299,461
Alkem Laboratories Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 May 21 | ALKEM
3%₹38 Cr68,000
Fortis Healthcare Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Dec 20 | FORTIS
3%₹33 Cr350,000

Conclusion

Medical spending in India has projected to grow 9-12 per cent over the next five years. Further, the growth in domestic sales may increase because of coronavirus. To add more, in such a volatile phase, there are a few Mutual Funds that are performing well.

Speedy introduction of generic or new drugs into the market are in focus and it has expected to benefit the Indian Pharmaceutical companies.

Disclaimer:
All efforts have been made to ensure the information provided here is accurate. However, no guarantees are made regarding correctness of data. Please verify with scheme information document before making any investment.
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