Government Committed to Get Access to Indian Pharma in Key Markets: Minister

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is fully committed to promoting the Indian pharmaceuticals industry globally and to promoting pharmaceutical exports to untapped markets. This was stated by Commerce and Industry Minister, Mr. Suresh Prabhu, after inaugurating the 6th annual International Exhibition of Pharma and Healthcare (iPHEX) in New Delhi on May 8.

Over 650 delegates from 130 countries, including scores of regulators, attended the event, organised by the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (PHARMEXCIL).

The Minister said that China has agreed for a high level bilateral roundtable to pave the way for Indian pharma to get market access and penetration in their vast market.

He assured the global pharmaceutical players and regulators, of best quality and affordability of the Indian drugs. He emphasised the need for reaching out to newer markets, especially in Africa, where affordability is the key issue, which can be very well addressed by the Indian exporters.

The minister stressed the need to make both traditional and preventive medicines work together.

Speaking on the occasion, Commerce Secretary Mrs. Rita Teaotia said the Ministry is committed to ensure that consistent quality and efficacy is maintained by Indian pharmaceutical products.

‘Validity of the GMP Certificate increased to three years’

Enumerating the measures to improve ease of doing business, the Drugs Controller General of India, Dr. Eswara Reddy, announced increasing the validity of the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) Certificate, from two to three years. He further stated that protocol for clinical trials approval has also been changed, setting the timeline of 45 days. “Once approval does not come within this timeline, the protocol is deemed to be approved,” he noted.

Mr. Madan Mohan Reddy, Chairman, PHARMEXCIL, expressed confidence that the global business will be retained in India because of competitive cost of production. He complimented the Commerce and Industry Ministry for taking several measures to make India the main source of pharmaceuticals.

Mr. Dinesh Dua, Vice-Chairman, PHARMEXCIL, said besides generics, India will soon emerge as a force to reckon with in the area of innovative drugs.