The Task Force on 'Enabling the private sector to lead the growth of pharmaceutical sector in the country', constituted by the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) some time back, has recommended a joint committee which can take care of their problems as the pharma sector in the country is suffering due to multiple decision making authorities.

Task Force has recommended measures to enhance regulatory support; suggested strengthening of infrastructural support; and recommended fiscal and financial support to the sector. In addition, the task force has also recommended measures for promoting skill development aligned to the need of the industry, strengthening the R&D capability of the sector, pricing strategy for the sector.

To provide thrust to the pharma sector, a task force on 'Enabling the Private Sector to lead the growth of Pharmaceutical Sector' was set up by the DoP in November last year, which was headed by secretary, DoP and consisted of representatives from Planning Commission, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology and various Industry Associations including IPA, IDMA, BDMA, OPPI, AIMED, CIIO, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, FOPE etc

Releasing the task force report, Union minister of chemicals & fertilizers Ananth Kumar said that the government wants to encourage a robust pharmaceutical industry in the country that is upgraded, standardized, innovative, globally competitive and can produce formulations at affordable costs. He said in this regard, setting up of the task force was one of the major initiatives of the government. The task force has given recommendations towards concerns and constraints facing the sector and suggested measures that would augment domestic production.

He said that the government is very keen on early implementation of the recommendations of the task force and it would come out with an action taken report on these recommendations in 100 days.