India to curb Chinese drug imports
The Union government is pondering on the recommendations submitted by the Katoch Committee to reduce import of bulk drugs from China. “The objective is to reduce our dependency on the imports from China. At the moment, we’re working on the proposal, and mulling on the other suggestions we have received so far,” said Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers.
The 13th Pharmaceutical Conclave was organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in association with the Department of Pharmaceuticals on Tuesday. In the meeting, the minister further added, “India is considered as one of the global drug makers. However, Indian pharmaceutical companies’ dependency on imports of cheaper drugs in bulks manufactured in China is on the rise.” And in his words, the government will go ahead with the mega parks project—mega parks are nothing but huge manufacturing units with common facilities.
A concrete decision is yet to arrive, but V K Subburaj, Pharmaceuticals Secretary highlighted, “India is very likely to have many mega parks as many states governments have come forward and shown interest,” a positive outcome of the conclave, we anticipate. Also in his opinion, building such units in the country will improve the pharmaceutical industry, plus, help the manufacturers cut production cost.
In the recent event, the government has also introduced a committee, headed by, V M Katoch, Health Research Secretary who will advise and suggest new ways boost the industry.
