IMS Health to conduct study on India joining global pharma

Government has asked IMS Health to conduct a study to explore whether India should become a member of global forum where certain standards for drugs and pharmaceuticals have been adopted, Parliament was informed today.
It has also been asked to assess the likely impact on India's drug exports.
The international forum -- Pharmaceuticals Inspection Convention/ Pharmaceuticals Inspection Cooperation Scheme jointly referred to as PIC/S is an instruments between countries and pharmaceutical inspection authorities to promote GMP (good manufacturing practices).
"As many countries are requiring the standard of PIC/S it was decided by government to conduct a study to understand the requirements of PICs and the likely implications to the Indian pharma industry," Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Hansraj Gangaram Ahir today said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

PIC/S scheme is a forum where certain standards for drugs and pharmaceuticals have been adopted and about 47 countries have already joined it and more countries are contemplating to join the same, he added.
Further action on the matter will be taken only after consulting all stakeholders, the minister said.