Karnataka Drugs & Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (KDPMA) in its golden jubilee year intends to play an advisory role to the state and central governments for the growth of the pharma industry. The state is home to a pharma training institute and a Pharmexcil office which may drive its next phase of growth.

At the 50th year celebrations observed here recently, Jatish N Sheth, president, KDPMA said, that the Association representing pharma entrepreneurs was formed to ensure quality drug manufacturing but is invited by the state and the central governments to provide valuable inputs on drug laws and attract investments.

“We are represented on various government committees like the Regional Advisory Council of Central Excise, Karnataka government’s export facilitation committee besides having a working relationship with UKTI, German Consulate and the Indian Pharmaceutical Association,” he added.

Further KDPMA has played an integral role in organising two Indian Pharmaceutical Congress events. While the first was hosted in January 1993, the second returned to Bengaluru after 18 years for the 63rd session. Now we are gearing up for the third time to participate in the 67th edition to be held in Mysore from December 19 to 21, 2015. “The past presidents of KDPMA led us to work silently and relentlessly for the success of IPC,” noted Sheth.

“The Association began with informal meetings in coffee shops to discuss ways to adhere to strict laws governing pharma industry. But now we own an office at a central business location. We have been extremely prudent and accountable with our finances. The Association members moved with the changing times to adhere to not just Schedule M, but a slew of stringent global regulations,” he said.

The KDPMA members manufacture various dosage forms from simple to advanced drugs comprising liquids, tablets, capsules, injectables, sustained release formulations and also export to 120 countries. Karnataka pharma industry stands as the 5th largest in exporter in the country and contribute to 10 per cent to the total India drug exports which is around Rs. 5,000 crore. The state accounts for 264 drug manufacturing units providing 20,000 direct employment and generating Rs. 12,000 crore worth of drugs, said Sheth.

Further, KDPMA members have donated medicines and relief materials whenever natural disasters like earthquake, Tsunami and  flood occurs.

“Our vision for the future is to set up a Centre of Excellence to mould technical and managerial skills. There will be a research centre to ignite the spark of the new-gen pharma entrepreneurs to inspire, innovate and invent, thereby facilitating patent filing. This will see KDPMA members to ensure Karnataka would continue to attract high quality global investments and be a preferred hub for research and manufacture of pharmaceuticals,” Sheth said.