The Tamil Nadu Government would offer favourable environment and all necessary assistance to the multinational companies and pharmaceutical manufacturers from other parts of India to set up their units in the state, said N Thalavai Sundaram, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu.

Addressing the pharmaceutical manufacturers at a function organized to celebrate the silver jubilee of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Tamil Nadu, he exhorted the industry to look at Tamil Nadu as their priority destination for investment. He noted the state Government has stood with the industry from time to time, and it was during the period of late MG Ramachandran, former Chief Minister, the Alathur Pharmaceutical Complex was set up in 150 acres of land as the first of its kind pharma complex in the country.

In order to meet the challenges of modern era, the state Government led by Chief Minister J Jayalalitha is committed to support the industry. The state Government allotted Rs 134.35 crores for the 2003-04 period to purchase drugs and hospital items. She has taken special interest in promoting the drug industry in the state, especially herbal medicines. Under the Anna Marumalarchi Thittam scheme, the Government has already initiated medicinal plant cultivation in over 100 acres. Export cells are also being set up in each of the districts, noted the minister.

M Paranjothi, Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Services Corporation (TNMSC) noted TNMSC has one of the most advanced e-assisted drug distribution system in the country. The organization has supported the local manufacturers in the past and will continue the same in future.

Dr B Suresh, President, Pharmacy Council of India delivered a theme lecture, 'Tamil Nadu Pharma Industry - Is it geared up for new challenges? Roadmap for 2005 and beyond'. A R Singh, Deputy Drugs Controller, CDSCO and A Sarangapani, Drugs Controller I/C, also attended the meeting. The minister also released a souvenir to commemorate the event and launched the website of PMA Tamil Nadu (www.pmatn.com). The TNMSC Chairman distributed various awards for the PMA members who performed well in the past.