In a strategic move to safeguard the business interests of the pharma exporters from Gujarat, commerce secretary from the ministry of commerce recently met pharma ceo's from the state in a meeting organised by Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil). The main aim of the meeting was to provide a direct platform to the exporters to deliberate and discuss their export related issues with the government.

One of the biggest concerns raised by the industry members was their fear of loss of reputation and business opportunity in the overseas market especially in the regulated market due to the disturbing media reports. They insisted and stressed that the commerce ministry needs to pressurise the government to take stern action against these types of misrepresentations as it may affect the growth prospects of the industry as a whole.

Dr P V Appaji, director general, Pharmexcil informed that the commerce secretary Rajiv Kher was very forthcoming in understanding their problems and has assured them that requisite steps will be taken to counter the same. He insisted that the government is very keen to create awareness about the efficacy and safety of the Indian generics and prove that they are not counterfeits, but are bona fide medicines of standard quality.

Dr Appaji stressed, “Ministry is working very hard to ensure the growth of the industry and to improve the credibility of Indian pharma sector, worldwide. The key focus will be on protecting the industry's reputation from any dubious allegations meted out by vested interests so that our exports do not get affected. At the same time we are expecting the industry also to support us in all our endeavors and ensure that they follow all the regulatory norms as required, to ensure that the image of the Indian pharma industry is not hampered.”

The meeting also focused on addressing key export related challenges faced by the exporters due to changing market dynamics and regulatory set up globally. Experts from the industry pointed out that the government needs to provide more impetus and incentives to encourage better export initiative among small scale companies.

Dr H G Koshia, commissioner, Gujarat FDCA said that it was a very eventful interaction between the industry and the government officials, especially since Gujarat is one of the major pharma exporters in the country. “Having an increasing market share in the existing and new markets, while countering the negative publicity in some countries has become a major issue for the exporters,” he added.