5 March 2026
ETF
6 Minutes Read

Understanding Pharmabees ETF: An Overview of Healthcare Sector Exposure

Recent global shifts have underscored the indispensable nature of the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, making them more vital than ever. For individuals seeking exposure to the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector, the Nippon India Nifty Pharma ETF (PHARMABEES ETF) provides a strategic entry point. This ETF offers diversified exposure to India’s top pharmaceutical firms, providing exposure to developments in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry.

The PHARMABEES ETF offers a streamlined way to track the Nifty Pharma Index, providing exposure to leading players in the pharmaceutical industry. By investing in this ETF, investors gain exposure to the healthcare sector represented in the index and the ongoing advancements in medical research and manufacturing.

The PHARMABEES ETF has reflected the movement of the underlying index, mirroring the movement aligned with the sector’s historical trends of the pharmaceutical industry. The following data provides a clear comparison of the fund’s performance against both its benchmark and the broader category:

Time PeriodFund Returns (%)Category Returns (%)
6 Months 3.22 3.82 
1 Year 14.40 17.03 
3 Years 24.85 17.97 
Since Inception   11.26 – 

Mirroring the Nifty Pharma Index’s trajectory, the PHARMABEES ETF has demonstrated a historical performance reflecting the index movement. Its performance underscores a precise alignment with the pharmaceutical sector’s expansion, establishing it as an ETF designed to track the pharmaceutical sector index.

The PHARMABEES ETF maintains a concentrated exposure to the leaders of India’s healthcare sector. The fund’s primary allocations are dominated by several of the largest and most influential pharmaceutical companies in the country:

CompanySector% of Total Holdings
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd Pharmaceuticals 21.29% 
Divi’s Laboratories Ltd Pharmaceuticals 9.69% 
Cipla Ltd Pharmaceuticals 9.39% 
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd Pharmaceuticals 9.36%  
Lupin Ltd Pharmaceuticals 6.58% 

Instead of betting on a single pharma company; where a failed clinical trial or a regulatory audit could crash into the stock, PHARMABEES gives you a basket of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies. This minimizes “unsystematic risk” and provides exposure to the broader healthcare sector represented in the index.

Managing a portfolio of 20 stocks involves significant brokerage and transaction costs. Since PHARMABEES is an ETF, it has a much lower Expense Ratio compared to actively managed pharma mutual funds. Lower costs may help investors reduce overall investment expenses over time. 

The pharmaceutical sector is traditionally considered a defensive sector. In a slowing economy or a bear market, people still need medicine and healthcare. Consequently, pharmaceutical companies are sometimes categorized as part of defensive sectors due to the essential nature of healthcare services. 

Because it is traded on the NSE like a regular stock, you can buy or sell units of PHARMABEES at any time during market hours. The underlying holdings are published daily, providing a level of transparency that allows you to know exactly what you own. 

Indian pharmaceutical companies are major suppliers of generic drugs and vaccines worldwide. By investing in this ETF, you are tapping into India’s competitive advantage in global healthcare manufacturing and R&D. 

For individuals seeking sector-specific exposure to healthcare, the PHARMABEES ETF serves as a sector-focused exchange-traded fund. By combining sector growth trends with broad diversification and low-cost efficiency, it offers a versatile solution for long-term investors with varying investment approaches from shifting healthcare trends.

Choosing PHARMABEES ETF via Navia’s platform provides a powerful combination of sector-specific growth and cost-efficiency. The zero-brokerage structure may help reduce transaction costs for investors.

🔸  Cost Savings: Zero brokerage ensures that investors save on transaction costs, helping lower trading costs.

🔸  User-Friendly Interface: Navia’s app is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, making the investment process seamless. 

🔸  Easy Stock/ETF SIP Baskets: Easily create a stock/ETF basket of your choice and start an SIP.

🔸  24/7 Accessibility: Investors can manage their investments anytime, anywhere, providing convenience and flexibility.

Note: As on 27 February 2026 

ETF Name30 Day Return365 Day Return
PHARMABEES 5.81% 11.08% 
MOHEALTH (Motilal Oswal S&P BSE Healthcare ETF) 6.91% 11.83% 
HEALTHADD (DSP Nifty Healthcare ETF) 7.20% 14.43% 
HEALTHY (Aditya Birla Sun Life Nifty Healthcare ETF) 7.20% 14.33% 

1. Download and Log in to the Navia app. 

2. Go to Tools->Basket and create a Basket with name of your choice. After creating the basket name, click on the Proceed to Add Items button. 

3. It opens a page there you can add PHARMABEES to the basket and select the quantity and price. Then click on the Add Symbol option. Market price is most preferable if you are setting up a SIP. 

4. After adding it to Basket, click on the SIP Order option to confirm and Activate the SIP. 

5. Enter Frequency, Installment and Weekly SIP Day, then agree to the Terms & Conditions, then click on the Activate SIP option. 

6. You can always Pause the SIP when needed. You can also edit the Stock Price and QTY in the SIP by using the Edit option. 

With zero brokerage, setting up a SIP on the Navia app is cost-effective and hassle-free, making it an excellent option for long-term investors. Navia also provides FREE Ready-made ETF basket for hassle-free SIP investment on selected TOP ETF’s. 

The Nippon India Nifty Pharma ETF (PHARMABEES ETF) provides an exposure to companies within India’s healthcare sector. By tracking top-tier pharmaceutical companies, this ETF offers a balance of historical performance based on available market data and targeted sector exposure, making it an one of the available investment instruments for those looking to gain exposure to India’s pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.

Securing a position in this resilient industry allows you to participate in a sector driven by consistent global and domestic demand. By integrating PHARMABEES into your portfolio today, you can align your long-term financial goals with the growth of one of India’s most innovative sectors.

Explore the PHARMABEES ETF and investors may explore this ETF after evaluating their investment objectives! 

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DISCLAIMER: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing. The securities quoted are exemplary and are not recommendatory. Brokerage will not exceed the SEBI prescribed limit.