Indian Pharma industry registered a growth of 18 per cent in exports last year despite all the challenges, says Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacting with the leaders of the pharmaceutical industry via video conferencing.  

The Prime Minister appreciated the crucial role of the pharma sector in the fight against the pandemic and appreciated the way the pharma industry is working even in such trying conditions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked that it is because of the efforts of the pharma industry that today India is identified as the ‘Pharmacy of World’. He said essential medicines were made available to more than 150 countries around the world during the pandemic.

Noting the second wave of the virus and rising number of cases, PM Modi commended the pharma industry for their efforts to increase production of several necessary drugs. He appreciated them for reducing the price of injections like Remdesivir.

To keep the supply of medicines and essential medical equipment going smoothly, PM Modi urged the pharma industry to ensure seamless supply chains. PM Modi also extended government’s support for facilities like logistics and transportation.

Seeking cooperation from the pharma industry, PM Modi assured that the government is undertaking reforms for new drugs and regulatory processes.

The leaders of the pharma industry appreciated the proactive help and support received from the government. They highlighted the efforts made over the last one year in ensuring availability of drugs keeping manufacturing and logistics operational.

The participants also share inputs on the measures being undertaken to meet the overall medicine demand in the country despite the unprecedented increase in demand for some drugs the COVID-19 treatment protocol.

The meeting was also attended by Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan; MoS (Health) Ashwini Kumar Choubey; Union Minister Chemical and Fertilizer D.V. Sadananda Gowda; MoS (C&F) Mansukh Mandaviya; Principal Secretary to PM, Dr V. K. Paul Member (H) NITI Aayog; Cabinet Secretary; Union Health Secretary; Union Pharmaceutical Secretary; Dr Balram Bharagava, DG, ICMR; amongst other officers from ministries/departments of central government.