PLI Scheme: A Step Towards Realizing Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’s Vision

Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers, has stated that the pharmaceutical business is critical to attaining the vision of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat. Addressing the ‘Indian Pharma – Global Health Care’ event in Mumbai today to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of the Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA), the Minister emphasised how government measures such as the Production Linked Incentive Scheme have benefited the sector. “Through the Production Linked Incentive Scheme, the government has attempted to minimise imports by supporting domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing.” The PLI plan has resulted in the development of over 35 items in India.” The Minister urged the pharmaceutical industry to develop a plan for the next 25 years.

The Minister congratulated the Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association on its diamond jubilee as the country celebrated ‘Amrit Mahotsav,’ and stated that the government has been acting proactively to provide the industry with the required support. “By modifying the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940 and fostering Ease of Doing Business, the government is assisting industry. “We are in the process of involving the industry in decision-making. In addition, the government has attempted to reach out to and consult with industry and other stakeholders on the implementation of Union Budget provisions through a series of webinars.”

The Union Minister stated that the government is pro-poor and pro-farmer, and that it is also pro-industry. Recalling the pharmaceutical industry’s contribution, the Minister stated that India has earned the distinction of being known as the “pharmacy of the world.”

“The government does not consider the health sector to be a profit-making industry. When we export pharmaceuticals, we do so with a ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ approach. India delivered medications to 125 nations during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.” Shri Mandaviya elaborated.

Ms S Aparna, Union Pharma Secretary, emphasised the importance of innovation and research in assuring the growth and development of the pharma sector, and she urged IDMA to establish a strategy to capitalise on this potential.

The Secretary also urged IDMA and the industry to address the issues in strategy and plans in order to achieve a sustainable level of drug security.

Union Minister Dr Mandaviya, along with other dignitaries, released the IDMA’s Diamond Jubilee Year Annual Publication on the event.

Dr. V. G. Somani, Drugs Controller General of India, Dr. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Affairs, Dr. Viranchi Shah, National President, IDMA; Mr. Bharat Shah, Chairman, IDMA Diamond Jubilee Organizing Committee, Mr. Mahesh Doshi, Immediate Past National President; and Mr. Mehul Shah, General Secretary, IDMA were all present.