The Working Group on Drugs and Pharmaceuticals for 11th Plan (2007-2012) constituted by the Planning Commission has proposed an allotment of Rs 3990 crores for initiating various measures to strengthen Indian pharmaceutical sector. Formation of pharma parks, introduction of pharma export promotion scheme, setting up of NIPER like institutions etc are some of the major proposals made by the working group.

The 24 member working group chaired by Secretary, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals earmarked Rs 1250 crores for the establishment of 25 pharma parks across the country. Calling for separate parks for formulations and bulk drugs, the working group wanted Rs 50 crore to be made available for the infrastructure development of each park.

The group took note of the urgent need for human resource development in pharmaceutical sciences and wanted five NIPER (National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research) like establishments to be set up in the next five years. An amount of Rs 750 crores (Rs 150 each) was sought to make this possible. The group wanted Rs 560 crore to be allotted for providing interest subsidy on loans availed by the small-scale pharmaceutical sector for complying with the new GMP norms.

The setting up of Drug Bank Fund and Cancer Medicines Fund were two other major measures proposed by the working group. A sum of Rs 1,000 crores has been sought for this purpose.

Emphasizing the important role to be played by the public sector pharmaceutical companies in ensuring medicines at affordable rates, the group sought Rs 100 crore for setting up an apex body for public sector drug units. An equal amount was also sought for strengthening National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority and its price monitoring cells at the centre and state level.

The working group wanted the Planning Commission to earmark Rs 100 crores for education on quality issues through seminars and workshops meant for small scale drug makers, SMEs and general public. Rs 25 crores for pharmaceutical R&D programme was also sought.

The working group is soon to submit its recommendations before the Planning Commission, it is learnt.