The Centre is looking at increasing India’s bulk drug capacity within two months, VK Subburaj, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, said on Wednesday during an event organised by the Associated Chambers of Commerce.

A Government-appointed committee, which had been studying the sector for over a year, particularly the issue of dependency on China for bulk drugs, has submitted its report and proposals for the sector, he added.

“More than 80 per cent of bulk drugs are coming from one source — China – so we want to reduce this dependency; basically we need to create capacities,” he said.

The proposals are likely to go to the Cabinet soon.

States such as Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, among others, have agreed to give land to create capacity, the Secretary noted.

Further, the Centre is also looking at reviving Hindustan Antibiotics to boost bulk drug manufacturing within the country. “In another 10 years’ time, both industry and government should work together to see that our bulk drug dependency is sorted out to a great extent,” Subburaj added.

Medical devices

Just like bulk drugs, 75-80 per cent of the medical devices are also imported and the Centre is looking at ways to reduce this dependence as well.

In December the Centre had allowed 100 per cent foreign direct investment under the direct route for the medical devices industry, in an effort to boost domestic manufacturing.

The sector is also likely to get a separate regulator soon, he said.

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