The proposed cluster development programme by the Department of Pharmaceuticals to extend common facilities to the pharma units, especially the SME sector, is expected to take the shape on the ground by December, as some States have already come forward to set up the clusters.

Haryana has already identified sufficient land at Rohtak for developing the cluster and the DoP is preparing a detailed project report for the same. Some other States also have indicated their willingness to establish the clusters. The project is expected to be launched by December this year, sources in the department said.

The Centre has also identified some places like Chennai, Hyderabad and a few places in Maharashtra for setting up the cluster-based projects by providing state-of-the-art common facilities in collaboration with the respective State governments. The project is expected to help the SME sector enhance quality, productivity and innovative capabilities, as the financial constraints restrict them to be competitive by laying down the required infrastructure.

GLP labs for calibrating and validating important equipments, testing facilities like analytical lab, toxicology centre, validation lab etc, common incinerator, common effluent treatment plant, training centre, facilities for tableting, capsulation, packaging and labelling will be set up at the clusters. Assistance will be given for ISO, WHO GMP, GLP, US FDA, EU GMP, Australian TGA and other standards and compliances also. The department will also set up required facilities in the existing clusters so that the productivity can be improved.

The DoP is also planning a cluster for medical devices which will benefit more than 100 industries situated in the region. The outer limit of the grant to be sanctioned by the government will be 70 per cent of the cost of the project subject to the maximum of Rs 15 crore. All these projects will be implemented through the proposed cluster development programme of the Ministry of MSME.