State set to promote Pharma Sector

Hyderabad, June 28 : Andhra Pradesh is committed to provide requisite support for growth of pharma sector in the State. This was stated by the Minister for Major Industries Dr J Geeta Reddy while inaugurating the National Conference on Pharma Industry, organized by ASSOCHAM at Hyderabad today.

In her inaugural address Dr Reddy informed that the State has already earmarked 50 acre land that would be provided absolutely free of cost for locating National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research being established by the Government of India. Besides, presence of Jenome Valley outside Hyderabad was to give fillip to the Bio-technology sector. Dr Reddy further said that the State Government intends to upgrade infrastructure in industrial estates to provide required support to the pharma industry.

Talking of developments in the pharma sector, Geeta Reddy said that recent cases like NATCO and Ranbaxy are pointers to the fact the industry was at crossroads and needs to upgrade it’s operations to make best use of available opportunities.

Speaking on the occasion, K Pradeep Chandra, Principal Secretary, Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Andhra Pradesh informed that the State Government had drawn a plan to bring on one platform all stakeholders including industry, educational & research institutions so as to give concrete shape to the growth of pharma industry in the State.

Shanbhu Kallolikar, Joint Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India said that the Department has drawn a Pharma Vision to give due direction to the pharma sector growth. Responding to some of the concerns raised by delegates with regard to changes in clinical trial regulations, compulsory licencing and issuance on DPCO, Kallolikar said that the industry has to adjust to new environment and will have to meet all regulatory requirements in order to grow.

Ravi Sanna Reddy Chairman Southern region Assocham, Dr J A S Giri, President, Indian Pharmaceutical Association, Dr S P Subramaniyan, Assistant Controller of Patents & Designs, Patents Office Chennai and Raju Bhupathiraju of Fox Mandal & Associates also addressed the Conference. INN