Single-window clearance for pharma sector on anvil: Ananth

To enable a single-window clearance system in pharmaceuticals sector, the government will set up a high-level committee next week to work out the modalities for the same.
The committee will be headed by Pharmaceuticals Secretary V K Subburaj and the move follows a recommendation by the task force on enabling the private sector to lead the growth of the pharmaceuticals sector.
"It (committee) will suggest a mechanism for single-window clearance for the pharmaceuticals industry," Chemicals and Fertiliser Minister Ananth Kumar told PTI.
Stressing on the importance of having a single authority for clearance in the sector, he said key decision-making powers on various important aspects such "patents, licencing and pricing are with different departments".

While the issue of patents is dealt by Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, drug licence is given by Drug Controller General of India under Health Ministry and pricing is controlled by NPPA, under Pharmaceuticals Department.
"This coordination committee will comprise members from all these departments," Kumar said.

Releasing the report of the task force, the Minister said that the government wants to encourage a robust pharmaceuticals industry in India that is globally competitive and can produce formulations at affordable costs.
"The task force has recommended for setting up of a high level coordination committee under Secretary, Pharmaceuticals and comprises representatives from various other government departments. It will be formed in the next one week," Kumar said.

The other members of the committee will include representatives from Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Commerce, Science and Technology, Bio-technology, Environment and Health and Family Welfare.
While, the industry would be represented by Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA), Indian Drug Manufacturers Association (IDMA), Bulk Drug Manufacturers Association (BDMA), Association of Indian Medical Devices Industry (AIMED), CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM and others.
He said raising productivity of domestic pharma industry is necessary to ensure health security of the country.
"This step in line with the Prime Minister's initiative of promoting 'Make in India'," Kumar added.
The market size of India's pharmaceutical industry is estimated at about Rs 2 lakh crore.