The Telengana state board (chapter) of the Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA) was launched by the deputy chief minister of the state, Dr T Rajaiah on August 3. This is the 7th state branch of IDMA in the country.

At the inaugural meeting, the deputy CM said the government of Telengana plans to launch an International Pharma City near Hyderabad in a land area of 7000 acres, with an outlay of Rs.5000 crore. The pharma city will comprise cluster units of all manufacturing plants of the bulk drug industries and formulations.

IDMA president S V Veeramani said the Telengana government has a number of projects and programmes for the promotion of pharma industry. The pharma industry in Telengana contributes 25per cent of the total pharmaceutical exports from India.

The launch meeting was attended by 180 people from various bulk drugs and formulation industries. The new state board of IDMA has already got membership strength of 50 manufacturing units, said Veeramani. The new branch will act in Telengana in association with bulk drug manufacturers association and other pharmaceutical manufacturers associations there.

The licencing and controlling authority of the drugs control department in Talengana, M Amrutha Rao was the guest of honour in the meeting. S V Veeramani presided.