Ananth Kumar releases report on enabling private sector to lead growth of pharma industry

Recommendations were put forward towards concerns and constraints facing the sector and suggested measures that would augment domestic production

The Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers, Ananth Kumar has released task force report on enabling the private sector to lead the growth of pharmaceutical sector. The minister said that the government wants to encourage a robust pharma industry in the country that is upgraded, standardised, innovative, globally competitive and can produce formulations at affordable costs. He said in this regard, setting up of the task force was one of the major initiative of the government.

According to a PIB release, the task force has given recommendations towards concerns and constraints facing the sector and suggested measures that would augment domestic production. Ananth Kumar said that the government is keen on early implementation of the recommendations of the task force and it would come out with an action taken report on these recommendations in 100 days.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said that the government is promoting ‘Make in India’ as well as ‘Skill India’ Mantras of the Prime Minister. He said that the pharma sector has to compete globally and for this, better standards and improved facilities are required. Ahir said that the government is willing and keen to facilitate the growth of pharma sector in the country.

Dr VK Subburaj, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, said that the exports of pharma by Indian companies is a success story. However, regulations in the sector are weak in the country and that is affecting the further growth. He said that the department has taken several steps to bring awareness in the industry for improving the standards. Subburaj further said that pharma sector is also suffering due to multiple decision making authorities. The task force has recommended a joint committee which can take care of their problems.

To provide thrust to the sector, a task force on enabling the private sector to lead the growth of pharma sector was set up by the Department of Pharmaceuticals. The task force was headed by secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals and consisted of representatives from Planning Commission, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology and various Industry Associations including IPA, IDMA, BDMA, OPPI, AIMED, CIIO, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, FOPE etc. The task force has recommended measures to enhance regulatory support; suggested strengthening of infrastructural support; and recommended fiscal and financial support to the sector. In addition, the task force has also recommended measures for promoting skill development aligned to the need of the industry, strengthening the R&D capability of the sector, pricing strategy for the sector.