To boost the exports of the Indian pharma sector to untapped markets, the commerce ministry has identified some of the top countries across the world to strategically ink collaborative efforts with them that will be mutually beneficial for all. Rajeev Kher, additional secretary, ministry of commerce and industry informed that considering the potential the Indian pharma companies have in the markets like Latin America and African countries due to their minimal exposure, initiatives need to be taken to focus on these areas effectively.

He stressed that the African and the Latin American markets have a huge potential which till now have been untapped by the Indian companies and assured that all the steps are being taken by the government to sensitise the industry about the same and help them in all their endeavours to reach these markets. Kher informed that with the view to reduce the expense of the industry the government has already decided to set up warehousing facilities in select countries, efforts of which have already begun with the decision to open the first warehouse facility in Nigeria.

“The main reason why we have decided to set up the warehouse facility is to ensure that the small scale manufacturers are not burdened with extra expense. Moreover, this will also help the consumers also to get the essential drugs in real time without the undue delay caused due to transportation, additional expense caused due to storage etc. This will also help in maintaining the price stability, quality and ensure unaffected supply of drugs to the patients in these countries,” Kher added.

It is understood that apart from the reasons as cited above, other main factor why the government is strongly trying to scout for locations in these countries for setting up warehousing facility is to address the issue of false claims about the supply of counterfeited drugs from India. Kher informed that all the drugs that will be stored in the warehouses will be certified by the drug controller general of India (DCGI) further cementing the authenticity of the drugs supplied through these warehouses.

According to Dr P V Appaji, director general, Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil), “We strongly want to convey to the world that all the drugs that are manufactured in the country are of highest standards and all steps will be taken by the government to ensure that the industries' reputation is not affected by any baseless rumours spread by those with malafide interests. Moreover, setting up warehouse in the importing country will also serve the patients interest as well, as it will prohibit the pricing manipulation of the drugs usually done in the long distance market due to the additional costs involved.”

He further stressed that the government is very keen on establishing a strong business relation with the Latin American market and urged the Indian pharma, and machinery industry to pro-actively look into the same as this will ensure that the Indian manufactured drugs which are affordable and of highest standard are made available to the people globally.