The Karnataka government, which is starved of big investments in pharmaceuticals, is now all set to woo investors in drug research, manufacturing and clinical trials. At a recent review meeting chaired by chief minister Siddaramiah, a decision was taken to boost pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors making them the focus of investments during the Global Investors Meet (GIM) to be held in January 2015.  

Karnataka health and family welfare Principal Secretary N. Sivasailam told Pharmabiz that the state government had identified pharmaceuticals as a knowledge sector and was working to accord it a prime position at the GIM 2015.

Investments in the pharma sector had tumbled during the economic slowdown. But now the government has pioneered the Karnataka Pharmaceutical Policy which includes setting up a pharma park and the formation of the Vision Group that is pending final clearance from the state government.

“In fact, we are seeing positive sentiments ahead of the third GIM. It is high time we cater to the needs of the pharma industry and help the sector for a smooth take-off which is possible with its prevailing knowledge and skills. There is already a reasonable policy environment and now we are working with the pharma industry in Karnataka to firm up with the specifics.  The GIM 2015 will be he roadmap for the Karnataka pharma industry to make things happen”,   said the health secretary.

There is no doubt that with the formation of the Vision Group we could see significant momentum, stated the health secretary.

At a seminar organised by IPA Karnataka, principal secretary Sivasailam had called for the need for regulators to move from obtrusive regulations to norm-based reporting system. This would provide the much needed assurance of quality and price of drugs to not just the regulator but also the public.

He mandated the need for scheduled inspections to create an environment of confidence in the industry about the regulatory authorities. It would put in place stringent standards of control.  The outcome of the inspection report needed to be shared with the public and make them aware on the level of compliance that pharma companies maintained. The department of health and family welfare would go all out and support the state drugs control department for the same.   

Going by the drug development capability of Karnataka companies, he called for the creation of a Primary Pharmaceutical Centre by the private sector to cater to people’s needs by providing quality drugs at affordable prices.

Sivasailam also said that Karnataka having the highest number of pharmacy colleges could produce trained and qualified personnel. “Government is open to promoting public private partnership (PPP) model where Finishing Schools supported by either government or private pharmacy colleges or large industrial houses could ensure creation of tailor-made professionals.”