The SSI Sub-Committee of the Indian Drug Manufacturers' Association (IDMA) had organized a one-day seminar on "Schedule M - Upgradation For Progressive SSI Units" on May 5, 2004 in Mumbai.
Daara B Patel, secretary-general, IDMA, facilitated the proceedings of the seminar and submitted statistics stating that there were 3,000 SSI units in the business of pharmaceuticals of bulk drugs and formulations and the total contribution of the pharma industry is Rs 37,000 crore, out of which 30 per cent is contributed by the SSI sector.
IDMA itself has about 400 SSI members out of its 568 strong membership. He stated that in order to support the SSI sector, IDMA has formed a separate SSI sub-committee to cater to the needs of its SSI members.
S V Veerramani, chairman of the SSI Sub-Committee of IDMA welcomed one and all at the Seminar and stated that IDMA is being proactive in encouraging members to come to terms with the new standards.
Yogin Majmudar, president, IDMA stated that IDMA represents the National Sector of the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry from all across the country. Apart from representing issues pertaining to the industry with the government, IDMA through its various sub-committees has been imparting and sharing information and knowledge about every aspect related to the pharma industry with its members.
He further emphasized that there can be no second standard in the pharma industry of which we all are a part. After all, this industry's primary task is to produce medicines for patients. When we fall sick, none of us would be prepared to accept a second quality medicine, thus, we must always strive for excellence and never compromise on GMP.
SW Deshpande, joint commissioner (Vigilance), FDA in his special address stated that the initiative taken by IDMA would ultimately culminate in sensitizing the industry on various issues related to quality upgradation through the medium of Schedule M i.e. legislative mechanism. He opined that, 'either you do what you enjoy or enjoy what you are doing'.
Dr M Venkateswaralu, dy. drugs controller (India), West Zone, in his keynote address opined that, in his opinion the people of this country deserve better drugs. One cannot give them second hand drugs; therefore there is a need to have Schedule M or GMP in place. One needs to think proactively with Schedule M. He lauded the efforts made by IDMA to encourage and educate its members never to compromise on quality.
The seminar consisted of various presentations by eminent speakers from the industry on topics like plant layout, air handling system, water management, documentation & validation and finance.
About 200 delegates participated in the seminar with various companies displaying their wares and services by interacting with participants during the buyer-seller meet.
Due to the stupendous success of the seminar, a similar module would be organized at the various State Boards of IDMA based in Gujarat, Chennai, Kolkata and Haryana for the benefit of SSI units located in those respective areas.