Andhra Pradesh is committed to provide the requisite support for the growth of the pharma sector, says Minister for Major Industries Dr. J Geeta Reddy.
Andhra Pradesh is committed to provide the requisite support for the growth of the pharma sector, stated Minister for Major Industries Dr. J Geeta Reddy, while inaugurating the National Conference On Pharma Industry, organized by ASSOCHAM at Hyderabad on Friday.
In her inaugural address, Reddy said that the state has already earmarked 50 acres of land free of cost for the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research being established by the Government of India. Besides, the purpose of Genome Valley outside Hyderabad is to give a fillip to the bio-technology sector, she said.
She further said that the state government intends to upgrade infrastructure in industrial estates to provide all the support that the pharma industry requires.
Talking of developments in the pharma sector, Geeta Reddy said that the recent cases of NATCO and Ranbaxy are pointers to the fact the industry is at a crossroads and needs to upgrade its operations to make the best use of the opportunities available.
Speaking on the occasion, K Pradeep Chandra (Principal Secretary, Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Andhra Pradesh) said that the state government had drawn up a plan to bring on one platform all stakeholders, including industry, educational & research institutions, so as to concretely shape the growth of the pharma industry in the state.
Shanbhu Kallolikar (Joint Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India) said that the department has drawn up a "Pharma Vision" to give due direction to the growth of the sector.
Responding to some of the concerns raised by delegates, with regard to changes in clinical trial regulations, compulsory licensing and issuance on DPCO, Kallolikar said that the industry needs to adjust to the new environment, and that it will have to meet all regulatory requirements in order to grow.
Ravi Sanna Reddy (Chairman, Southern Region, ASSOCHAM), Dr. J A S Giri (President, Indian Pharmaceutical Association), Dr. S P Subramaniyan (Assistant Controller of Patents & Designs, Patents Office, Chennai) and Raju Bhupathiraju (Fox Mandal & Associates) also addressed the conference. (INN)