The Andhra Pradesh Government has announced plans for setting up India's first dedicated University for Pharmaceutical Sciences in Hyderabad.

The government has assured allocation of 100 acres of land in the vicinity of the state capital for the purpose. Delivering the inaugural address on the first day of 57th Indian Pharmaceutical Congress (IPC), Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, chief minister of Andhra Pradesh wanted the university to be the best in the world.

The chief minister has asked the domestic pharmaceutical industry to come forward with a detailed plan for the university. He committed to bear 50% of the total expenses needed for materializing the dream project. Dr Reddy wanted the industry to pump in the balance amount. The government assistance for the university would continue for the first five years. The highlight of the proposed University would be its dual focus on basic research as well as scientific research. The university would help AP fulfill its ambition to become a pharmaceutical hub of the entire region, he informed.

"At present, basic research is conducted at the Universities while the industrial research is carried out by the R&D centres of pharmaceutical companies. The proposed University will have the infrastructure for both basic and industrial research. The University will provide the much-needed fillip to the State which has become a major base for pharmaceutical activities," he said.

The CM informed the industry that once he gets the details of project from the industry, the proposal would be put through the Cabinet on high priority basis. He also listed out the unique efforts undertaken by the government to turn AP the best destination for sourcing pharmaceutical products.

Mentioning about the upcoming Jawaharlal Nehru Pharma City at Vizag, Dr Reddy said that the government has already got environmental clearance for the entire city. "We are providing low tariff power; adequate water supply and other basic infrastructure are already in place. I welcome all pharmaceutical companies to set up their units in this world class facility," he said.

The minister pointed out that Andhra Pradesh already has 27 US FDA approved facilities. "The state already has dedicated Medical University and the University of Pharmaceutical Sciences will provide an edge to the bulk and formulation activity in the State. All these new and ongoing efforts will allow Hyderabad to be recognized as the pharma capital of the country," he said. The ministers of health and industry Konejeti Rosaiah and Dr J Geeta Reddy were part of the inaugural function. The presidents of all federating associations of Indian Pharmaceutical Congress Association (IPCA) were also on the dais.

Over 6000 delegates are attending the three-day conference.