The Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical companies urged the government to create conducive environments for the growth of pharmaceutical industry in the recent meeting of the Department of Pharmaceuticals with industry in Hyderabad.

In the meeting, jointly organized by Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil) and Bulk Drug Manufacturers Association (BDMA), the industry suggested that the government should support it to develop capacities and technologies, including huge facilities. It has also urged the government to identify some of the major drugs, for which India is dependent on other countries and support the manufacturing of those drugs.

Speaking to Pharmabiz, Dr P V Appaji, executive director, Pharmexcil said, "The meeting held in Hyderabad was the first meeting of the Department of Pharmaceuticals with the industry. In the meeting the companies have asked the government to provide incentives to meet pollution control norms, as it needs huge investment. They have also demanded the government to help them with the latest technologies to meet pollution control norms.

In the meeting with the officials, industry leaders demanded the government to provide interest free loans for basic stage bulk drugs manufacturing. They have also demanded the government to establish one Baddi like district in each state to promote the industry. The industry has also urged the government to ensure adequate power and water availability for the projected capacities and availability of basic chemicals.

Speaking at the meeting, M Narayana Reddy, president, BDMA, said that though the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are not covered under REACH, the API industry is indirectly affected since the drug intermediates and fine chemicals are covered under REACH. Most of the manufacturers of drug intermediates and fine chemicals are in SME sector and it has become additional financial burden to the sector.

He has urged the government to provide additional infrastructure facilities and encourage new entrepreneurs and technocrats to establish manufacturing units to make intermediates, which are being imported from other countries. He also urged the government to provide infrastructure facilities to establish warehouses for storage and supply of solvents to the SME sector.