The proposed plan of the DCGI to set up a Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation's (CDSCO's) zonal-cum-Assistant Drug Controller's (ADC's) office in Goa is facing procedural problems. The Mormugao Port in Goa which was supposed to be notified as designated port for import and export of pharma products is facing delay due to some difference of opinions with the Mormugao Port authorities. In a letter addressed to the DCGI's office they have stated that they do not want the ADC's office in the port premises.
A source closely associated with the DCGI's office informed that the delay in the project is caused due to the lack of interest by the port authorities. They have expressed about having some issues with opening an ADC office within the port premises.
“They have pointed out that the premises that was identified for setting up as a designated port is not suitable for the same. They do not want the ADC's office there, however, they have no issues with having a zonal office in the same premises,” informed the source.
Ironically, the port authorities had no issues regarding leasing out their property to the central government earlier for setting up both zonal office as well as ADC in the port premises. They had given a green signal earlier. However, they are said to be backing off now stating that the premises in question lacks proper infrastructure as well as logistics that needed to set up a proper port.
Sources informed that the DCGI's office is having an ongoing dialogue with the authorities to have an understanding with them in this issue so that they can come into a consensus on the same.
The proposal to open a zonal-cum-ADC's office in Goa was put forth by Dr Surinder Singh, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), when he had visited Goa in September last year. The move to have a designated port for import and export of pharmaceutical products manufactured in Goa was welcomed by industry.
Arun Naik president, Goa Pharmaceutical Manufacturers' Association (GPMA) informed that the Goan pharma industry is hopeful that the procedural hurdles will be cleared and that everything will be set in motion as soon as possible.
At present the exporters and importers from Goa spend almost Rs.30,000 on transporting one container of Goan drugs to Navasheva port in Mumbai for export/import of drugs. Naik informed that apart from the delays that comes due to the distance they also have to bear the extra cost of transportation of the drugs.
“We hope that the issues associated with the notification of Mormugao Port is sorted out at the latest since there is a urgent need to have a notified port in the state of Goa. Having a notified port in Goa will not only eliminate the expense for Goan manufacturers but also will boost the export from the state which is at present worth Rs.45000 crore.”
Even though Goa is a small state, its turnover from the pharma sector alone is Rs.6000 crore. It is the third largest sector in Goa after tourism and mining respectively.