The Maharashtra Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and API manufacturers discussed environmental clearance issues among other concerns in a recent meet in Mumbai towards developing a bulk drugs park in Nagpur.
This comes close on the heels of the state regulator’s meet with Multi-Modal International Air Cargo and Hub (MIHAN), Nagpur management on the modalities of setting up a bulk drugs park and to explore investment prospects in consultation with industry bodies.
Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Dr Pallavi Darade explained, “Nagpur is considered as a favourable investment destination for API manufacturers and even for medical devices going by the discussion we had with the MIHAN management. Concerns around environmental clearances and common effluent treatment plant (CETP) facility were raised during the meet as Nagpur is landlocked unlike any other coastal area in the country.”
She further informed that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari are also scheduled to meet the manufacturers towards exploring prospects of developing Nagpur as a pharmaceutical hub.
“We are planning to hold another meet with industry associations again after a series of meetings already held at Pune, Mumbai, Thane, Nashik and Aurangabad which will bring in more clarity in exploring investment prospects for bulk drugs industry in Nagpur,” Dr Darade added.
MIHAN team gave a presentation on the implementation of guidelines, approvals and clearances required for the companies for setting up the units. The MIHAN team also apprised the state regulator and manufacturers of the various opportunities available to pharma players globally and domestically.
This according to the state drug regulator will complement the much awaited Centre’s policy on bulk drugs and medical devices park.
MIHAN is an airport project for Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur aimed to exploit the central location of Nagpur and convert the present airport into a major cargo hub with integrated road and rail connectivity. It consists of two parts, namely an International airport to act as a cargo hub and an SEZ on the southern end of Nagpur.
The park is stipulated to have common manufacturing facilities and will reduce capital expenditure for projects by offering low cost rentals and revenue support services, thus enabling these units to be competitive. The park will enable the companies with all the latest technological support required for R&D.
This will also enhance drug and medical device testing and certification capabilities of the industry which has been a neglected area.Gujarat has also demarcated 25 such locations under the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) to attract investment from pharma players.