The Organisation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (OPM) is planning to approach the State Government of Andhra Pradesh with a request to exempt pharmaceutical formulation units from obtaining NOC from the Pollution Control Board (PCB) as these units are free from pollutants and effluents.

Speaking to Pharmabiz, the newly elected president of OPM, P Koteswara Rao, said that since the formulation units do not emit atmospheric pollution or any other effluents, it is not wise on the part of Pollution Control Board to insist for obtaining NOC.

In this regard OPM with the help of CIPI (Confederation of Indian Pharmaceutical Industry) has sought the support from the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Federation Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) in convincing AP Government and the State Pollution Control Board not to make it mandatory to obtain NOC for Formulations Units, especially in the SSI sector. Likewise, OPM with the help of CIPI is also trying to bring the formulation segment from ORANGE to GREEN category.

Rao said that it was due to the efforts of CIPI, FOCIGMA, Tamil Nadu Association and OPM, the postponement of Schedule 'M' by one year could be made possible which allowed the formulations companies mostly in small scale and medium sectors to think and decide whether to continue in the industry or get out of it. OPM is also educating its members on the need of compliance to Schedule 'M' and has approached SIDBI for extending financial assistance to SSI units. The Organisation has also been instrumental in getting its members proper guidance from NPPA officials on various pricing issues.

There is a misconception that NSQ (Not of Standard Quality) Drugs are reported only from small and medium players. Even NSQ Drugs are reported by drug authorities from biggies like MNCs and large Indian Companies. Hence, Quality Assurance is not the prerogative of MNCs and INCs. So, OPM proposes to put one Member of the Association in the Review Committee on NSQ Drugs so as to ensure equal opportunity to correct and prevent the situations of such nature not to arise in future.

In regard to the other plans of the Organisation, Rao informed that OPM was to arrange interactive meetings with the State drugs control officials for guidance in sorting out pending issues. The Organisation will also make a representation requesting the State Government to give price preference up to 15 per cent or more to SSI units of AP in supplying medicines to Govt. Institutions on the lines of what is being practiced in the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.