Evolving new regulatory measures to address the emerging concerns of Indian pharma industry in its multifaceted dimension is the need of the hour, according to Dr K Rosaiah, Governor of Tamil Nadu.

Inaugurating the golden jubilee national pharmacy week celebration organized by Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA), Tamil Nadu branch, the governor said the potential and expertise of the members of Indian pharmaceutical fraternity have to be utilized to hasten the growth of Indian pharma sector as it is now emerging as one of the major contributors to Indian exports. At present, the Indian pharmaceutical industry is ranking 4th in terms of volume and 13th in value terms.  India accounts for the eight percent of global production and two percent of world markets in pharmaceuticals, Rosaiah said.

He suggested that priority areas for Indian pharmaceutical R&D have to be identified and the country’s expertise in developing new and innovative processes for known molecules needs to be explored. He also emphasized the need of initiating new drug development for diseases of relevance to the Indian population.

“With low cost innovation, low capital requirements, cost effective running facilities, well established manufacturing processes and R&D infrastructure, India is destined to emerge as an alternative source for affordable medicines. We need to look at pharmaceutical sector as a strategic and flagship industry,” he said.

Regarding pharmacist as a healthcare professional, Rosaiah opined that awareness on the role and responsibilities of a pharmacist as a healthcare professional should be brought in among people, authorities, pharmacists, students of pharmacies and chemists and druggists. For this, a concerted effort from associations like IPA is required. He further advised that the pharmacist should provide patient oriented services and be cautious on their adverse reactions.

Dr B R Jagashetty, drugs controller of Karnataka, G Selvaraj, director of drugs control, Tamil Nadu, PBN Prasad, deputy drugs controller, CDSCO Chennai, R Narayanaswamy, J Jayaseelan and MM Yousuf spoke on the occasion.

The Governor presented the Best Pharmacist award to S Manivannan, deputy drug controller, CDSCO, New Delhi, at the function.