The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) has constituted a Task Force for the development of manufacturing capabilities in each medical vertical in pharmaceutical production like cardiology, orthopaedics, neurology, etc.

The Task Force, headed by secretary, DoP, has been mandated to identify focus areas for development of monitoring capabilities in each medical vertical keeping in mind the specificities of each medical discipline. Besides, the Task Force will also identify the gaps in domestic manufacturing in these verticals and suggesting ways to overcome these.

It will also identify the issues and support required from different government agencies and departments for achieving the manufacturing capabilities and filling the gap areas, if any, in each medical vertical.

The Task Force may also discuss any other related issues which may come up during the Task Force meetings and which the Task Force may also like to include as a Term of Reference.

Other members of the Task Force are representative of union health ministry (not below the rank of joint secretary); Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) or his representative; representative of commerce ministry (not below the rank of joint secretary), representative of Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, (not below the rank of joint secretary); Director, NIPER Hyderabad; head of a government medical college in Delhi; representatives of industry associations like IPA, IDMA and OPPI; and representatives of two NGOs working in health sector.

The Task Force is being constituted following a presentation made by secretary (pharma) before Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After the presentation, an Action Point has emanated which is now a part of the E-Samiksha Online Monitoring System: "Focus on specific verticals in Pharmaceutical production: Keeping in mind the specificities of each medical discipline, the department should focus on the development of manufacturing capabilities in each medical vertical (e.g. cardio, ortho, neuro etc.). A Task Force could look into this matter."

The Task Force will submit its findings in three months.