The National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), which  provides the technical support to small and medium pharma enterprises (SMPEs), is planning to organise a seminar on Environment, Hazard and Waste Management on September 29, 2012 at Mohali in Punjab.

The seminar is aimed to bring awareness to the pharma industry on various aspects of the environment and waste management. It would also help to facilitate interaction among experts, industry and service providers. It will provide a platform for the exchange of info and technology know-how to the industry covering bulk drugs and formulations besides identifying the problems relevant in today’s scenario. Further, it would also help to assess the gaps and find solutions to reduce the associated hazards and environmental risks.

The topics covered would include an overview of the environment laws, environmental policy and regulatory requirements, hazards, safety at work place and disaster management, air-, water-pollution, qualities and types of waste sources, along with its analysis and monitoring, water management strategies and treatment technologies.

The day-long seminar which kicks off at 9.30 am on Sept 29, will have Prof. AK Bansal, chairman, SMPIC, NIPER to provide the introductory remarks, followed by Prof. KK Bhutani, director, NIPER and introduction to the seminar will be provided by Dr MS Gill.

In Indian pharma industry, the SMPEs have played a crucial role in boosting the overall growth and would continue to be an important growth engine in future also. The SMPEs account for around 87 per cent in production by volume and 40 per cent by value in the pharma industry. SMPEs are cost-effective resources of knowledge, skill and employment. In today’s scenario, the increasing opportunities in the generics pharmaceutical market, both domestic and exports are empowering and encouraging the growth of this sector. They also play an important role in the social development of the country by enhancing access of essential drugs to the country, stated NIPER.

SMPEs till now, have largely focused on domestic market and foray into export market shall require enhancement of their technological capabilities. Though the economic and social importance of this sector is well recognized, the fact remains that the major hurdle for them has been the lack of adequate financial support. The problem of funding plaques SMPEs, as huge investments are needed for innovation, R&D and overall growth. Besides financial constraints, the SME segment is also challenged to prove their global competitiveness. Many challenges faced by SMPEs are business processes like manufacturing technology, quality assurance and international regulatory environment.