Karnataka pharmaceutical industry wants the state government to set up an exclusive pharma park for this sector to hep it to achieve the next level of growth. The industry has been facing infrastructural problems in the state for some time now.

The need for a pharma park comes primarily because drug manufacturing in the state is more of entrepreneur-driven initiative. To set-up a comprehensive and stand alone industry infrastructure is viewed as unviable and expensive for the units here. This is where the state government should step in and assist the pharma industry in Karnataka which has generated Rs.3,500 crore worth exports in 2009-2010. In fact industries like the chemicals and pharma are the next growth drivers for the economy.

While governments of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat have come forward to set up dedicated chemical and pharma zones, Karnataka should take a cue from it and gear up to extend support, stated Anjan K Roy, president, Karnataka Pharmaceuticals and Drugs Manufacturers Association (KPDMA) and managing director RL Fine Chem.

A number of representations have been made for an exclusive pharma enclave that could take care of utilities such as power, water and environmental issues, he added.

Karnataka has 236 pharma units engaged in the production of active pharma ingredients (APIs) and formulations. These facilities are stand alone operations located in the industrial areas in and around Bangalore, Raichur, Belgaum, Dharwad, Mysore and Mangalore. Ending fiscal 2009- 2010, the state registered a turnover of Rs.6,500 crore with a growth rate of 10 per cent.

The industry over the years has been facing hassles in pollution control and effluent treatment issues. This is where a dedicated facility from the government would be of great help. The pharma entrepreneurs would be able to benefit out of an economic and efficient model, he added.

The current scene indicates that Indian API and formulation producers have vast opportunities coming out off-patent drugs. There is also a huge scope for new chemical entities. This would see a spurt in in-house development and contract manufacture. The future growth of the industry in Karnataka too will depend on the plant expansion. "For this we are looking for a Pharma Park spanning over 250-350 acres in and around Bangalore with a Special Economic Zone status," stated KDPMA president.

The encouragement given to knowledge sectors like information technology (IT) and biotechnology(BT) are not extended to pharma which is also in the similar league. Despite the minimum backing from the state government, Karnataka pharma has fared well. Its modern plants have international regulatory certifications that include 12 UK MHRA approved units followed by US FDA certified plants, Brazil ANVISA), TGA Australia and MCC - South Africa audited facilities.

Going by the recognition of the global pharma companies to outsource the production and research works from the Karnataka companies, there is an urgent need for the state government to support the industry with a pharma park at the earliest, stated Roy.