A study conducted by a regulatory officer of the Kerala drugs control department on the plight of pharma industry in the state reveals that the reason for the state owned ‘Kerala State Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Ltd’s (KSDP) failure to cater to the needs of the state is lack of adequate control by the health ministry.

KSDP comes under the ministry of industry, whereas the manufacturing units of Ayurveda (Oushadhi) and the homoeo medicine production unit (HOMCO) come under the health ministry. The study shows that the only way to save the sinking KSDP unit is to bring its control under the health ministry and should be managed by people with pharmacy qualifications.

According to M.R. Pradeep Kumar, the deputy drugs controller, who has conducted an extensive survey study, has found that Oushadhi and HOMCO are running profitably and capable of managing the needs of the department of Ayush in Kerala. Whereas, KSDP production does not constitute even 0.1 per cent of the modern drugs used in the state.

He says that the reasons for the failure of KSDP to manufacture sufficient quantity of drugs required for the government institutions are to be studied and remedial measures have to be initiated to maintain the unit in the public sector.

While going through the new units started in the private sector in last ten years in Kerala, we can see that they are of global standards. For example, HLL LIFECARE, Thiruvananthapuram is accredited as the pioneers in surgical items and condoms worldwide. Sance Laboratories in Eranakulam district is a US FDA approved unit exporting their exclusive cephalosporin group of antibiotics to many countries in the Europe, Africa, America and UK. Agappe life sciences in Kolenchery, engaged in the manufacturing of diagnostic equipments and reagents, is exporting their products to many countries.

CML Biotech at Angamaly, engaged in the manufacture of diagnostic kits and blood collection tubes, is exporting them to many countries. Megasis Biotek in Koratty is also engaged in the manufacturing of drugs for many MNCs. Sangrose Laboratories in Mavelikkara is exporting their bulk drugs and formulations to many countries. Chethana Drugs and Pharmaceuticals in Perinthalmanna is the expert unit in the field of ophthalmic products. Vysali pharmaceuticals, Edapplally is the pioneer in the manufacturing of Penicillin group of antibiotics. These are some of the leading drugs manufacturers in Kerala with global standards. This shows that it is possible to make a pharma unit successful and feasible in the state provided support from the government is given to them,” he points out.

He opines that government must provide infrastructure in the 14 districts as in the case of Info parks to start SMEs to supply at least 25 per cent of the drugs and allied products required for the state. There is sufficient man power and expertise available in the state. The raw materials and other requirements can be made available indigenously. The allied sectors like manufacturing of ayurvedic drugs, homoeopathic drugs, cosmetics, veterinary products, dietary food supplements and baby foods can also be developed. The revenue by way of tax from the units will be much more than the investment of the government. The unemployment issue in the pharma sector can be rectified to a certain extent by this policy. The natural resources in the state can be utilised to treat many life style diseases with the expertise of the traditional practitioners, says the study.

He urges the authorities to examine the unlimited scope of the pharmaceutical industry in Kerala and take steps to strengthen it.