The conclave with the theme ‘Make, Develop and Innovate’ addresses key issues of pharma sector
CII’s 13th National Pharmaceuticals Conclave was recently held in New Delhi. The theme of the conclave was ‘Make, Develop and Innovate’. Present at the event was Hansraj Ahir, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers. Addressing the delegates at the event, he assured all support for the growth of the pharma and life sciences industry.
KG Ananthakrishnan, Co-Chairman, CII National Committee on Pharmaceuticals and MD, MSD Pharmaceuticals; Dr VK Subburaj, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers; Hansraj Ahir, Minister of State, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers; Dr Rajiv I Modi, Chairman, CII National Committee on Pharmaceuticals and CMD, Cadila Pharmaceuticals; Dr Murtaza Khorakiwala, Co-Chairman, CII National Committee on Pharmaceuticals and MD, Wockhardt; Amita Sarkar, Deputy Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry
Ahir also said that the industry should come forward to address huge prospects and challenges ahead in segments like manufacture of bulk drugs, medical equipment and R&D. He said that the government will lend all its support in an endeavour to make India a quality and cost-effective pharma hub. He added that the programmes launched recently, such as ‘Make in India’, ‘Skill India’, ‘Start up India’ etc. will give a critical push to the entire chain of life sciences.
The minister observed that the pharma industry should make quality drugs at affordable prices to the common man. He mentioned the various initiatives taken by the present government to reduce the price of lifesaving drugs to make them affordable to the common man. He said, “Diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular problems etc. are afflicting a large number of people particularly from the poorer strata of the society. We have to find newer approaches for diagnosis and treatment of patients since such diseases go unnoticed, particularly among the poorer sections of the society.” While giving the keynote address, Dr VK Subburaj, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, said that the pharma sector in India will become a $300 billion industry by 2020. He said, “Achieving the target presents both prospects and challenges. On one side, the industry should proactively gear up to emerge as a quality drug producer of the world, and on the other, there is a need for forging greater synergies between the government, industry and other stakeholders.”
He also mentioned that it was important to have a positive approach towards conflict resolution among players since some of the simple issues are taking longer time for their resolution. “We have to develop a proactive approach to solve such issues based on the principle of give and take,” he pointed out.
Subburaj said that having consultations with the stakeholders, the government has finalised a uniform marketing code, which will be announced soon. He also said that an interministerial committee was recently formed where meetings were held to frame guidelines for environmental clearances needed for the manufacture of bulk drugs. The notification of the guidelines will be issued any day from now, he disclosed.
Subburaj also referred to several initiatives taken by the state governments in setting up the bulk drugs parks, which are under various stages of planning and implementation. “Our exports are poised to increase in the coming years. We have achieved cost competitiveness and now we have to focus on quality to further enhance our global foothold,” he told the industry. He also explained the initiatives of the government in revamping the Drug Control Act and im0proving the regulatory mechanism.
Dr Rajiv Modi, Chairman, CII and CMD, Cadila Pharmaceuticals mentioned about the need for ensuring higher returns on capital invested in the pharma sector to motivate more domestic and international players to invest in the sector.
KG Ananthakrishan, Co Chairman, CII National Committee on Pharma and MD, MSD Pharmaceuticals, said that the pharma sector can play a pivotal role in achieving the vision of ‘Healthy India.’ The theme of the conclave- Make, Develop and Innovate- encompassed the three critical components for the industry can grow and contribute substantially to the national economy.
Murtaza Khorakkiwala, Co-Chairman, CII National Committee on Pharmaceuticals and MD, Wockhardt recommended further incentivisation of R&D efforts and creating a strong patent regime.
EP News Bureau – Mumbai
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