Govt launches cluster development programme for pharma industry

Ananth Kumar, minister of chemicals & fertilizers, formally launched the cluster development programme for pharma sector (CDS-PS) on June 17, 2015 in New Delhi, with an aim to provide support to the pharmaceutical industry in becoming more capable, productive and competitive.
 
Ananth Kumar said that for the common man, availability, quality and affordability of drugs and medicines is of utmost importance and the cluster development programme will be the key step in ensuring health security of the country.
 
The government aims to set up six pharma clusters by the end of this financial year, of which three are likely to be greenfield projects. Ananth Kumar said, “These clusters will ensure adequate testing, training and affluent treatment facilities for pharmaceuticals industry. The government will also come up with the bulk drugs parks and the medical devices parks.”
 
Stating that the cluster development programme is in the interest of the nation as well as of the society, Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, minister of state for chemicals and fertilizers, said, “The private sector is playing a lead role in the production of generic medicines and this programme will help in its holistic expansion.”
 
The pharmaceutical industry, which is growing at 14-15 percent annually, is likely to touch the figure of 4 lakh crore by 2020. The sector needs due attention so that the quality can be improved and cost brought down. Dr V K Subburaj, secretary in the Department of Pharmaceuticals, said that some clusters do exist already but not on scientific basis and this programme is meant to develop clusters in a scientific manner.
 
The clusters development programme for pharma sector would be implemented on a public private partnership (PPP) format through one time grant-in-aid to be released for creation of identified infrastructure and common facilities. The scheme is for setting up of new clusters as well as up-gradation of existing clusters. The government has earmarked Rs 125 crores for the central sector scheme for the 12th five year plan.