China continues to be the major exporter of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and other intermediaries to India, though there was a slight decrease in the quantum of supply during the last year.

According to the figures with the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), the total import of API by India rose from US$ 2406 million in 2009-10 to 2998 million dollars during 2010-11. It further went up to US$ 3069 million in 2011-12.

The contribution of imports from China stood at US$ 1143 million in 2009-10, with a share of 60 per cent in the overall imports to India. This further went up to $1881 million in 2010-11, accounting for 64 per cent of the total imports. However, overall imports of APIs came down marginally to $1646 million till February during the financial year of 2011-12. The share of China also came down to 54 per cent in the total imports, as per the figures.

“Ministry of Commerce & Industries has clarified that Indian pharmaceutical Industry has been importing APIs and Intermediates from various countries, including China to meet the increasing demand,” Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Srikant Kumar Jena told the Parliament recently.

“No Inter Ministerial Committee was formed as per the recommendations of the 45th Report of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health. However, a High Powered Inter-Ministerial Coordination Committee formed by the DoP under the Chairmanship of Secretary (Pharmaceuticals) to look into the matters of implementation of government commitment to provide quality medicines at affordable prices has finalized its recommendations. The various medicines have been referred to the concerned ministries/departments/ organisations for taking necessary action,” he said.

“Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) is supporting SME Units in Pharmaceutical Sector through various schemes – Credit Link Capital Subsidy Scheme (CLCSS) to provide incentive to Micro and Small Enterprises for technology up-gradation, Credit Guarantee Scheme, ISO-9000/ISO-14001/HACCP reimbursement scheme, Micro and Small Enterprises – Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP), Public Procurement Policy for Micro and Small Enterprises and National Manufacturing Competitive Programme (NMCP) to enhance their productivity and Competitiveness. In regard of drug and pharmaceuticals 294 units have availed Rs.19.76 crore subsidy since inception of the scheme,” the Minister disclosed.