The task force on pharmaceuticals, headed by Rajiv Kher, joint secretary in the Union ministry of commerce, has directed the government to look at narcotics formulations as an important opportunity and not just a menace.

In its report, submitted to the government recently, the task force asked the government to simplify the procedure and to capture the global narcotics business in certain classes of narcotics. "The entire process of approvals from multiple agencies such as DCGI, INCB, Ministry of Finance, State Narcotics Boards, the quota systems and canalization should be relooked at for promoting export production. The genuine manufacturer exporters may be permitted to directly import narcotic substances based on risk profiling and past records doing away with GOAW & ministry of finance approvals," the report said.

It also recommended the government to do away with the quota system for export production as it is difficult to assess import requirements one year ahead especially when the country desires to capture a bigger share.

"Obtaining INCB permission for each consignment of the same material for same importer and by the same vendor for certain classes of narcotics is not present even in developed countries such as Europe where the regulation is very stringent and must be done away with. Online submissions, approvals and clearances should be considered," the task force recommended.

The Rajiv Kher task force was constituted by prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh way back in July 2006 to find ways and means to ease the bottlenecks coming in the way of pharmaceutical exporters in the country. Its key recommendations included comprehensive measures for accelerating the growth of generic pharmaceutical industry in the country, enhancing India's R&D, promoting contract manufacturing, drug discovery & clinical trials, Indian System of Medicines & Ayush.

The terms of reference of task force on pharmaceutical sector were (i) to examine the problems being faced by the exporters of pharmaceutical products in consultation with the stakeholders and to prepare short-term, medium-term and long-term Action Plans, (ii) to review the progress of export of pharmaceuticals products and suggest measures of achieving the growth targets, (iii) to act as 'Think tank' and make appropriate policy recommendations for boosting exports and generating more employment in the sector, and (iv) to consult the trade and industry and identify policy and procedural bottlenecks and suggest ways to eliminate them.